A group in Winnipeg called the Prison Libraries Committee (PLC) is working to provide access to books for people who are incarcerated in Manitoba. The committee recently received hundreds of donated books, some of which will be sold in a book and bake sale, while others will be sent to provincial correctional facilities. The founder of the committee, Kirsten Wurmann, highlighted the importance of providing books to inmates as there are no mandated requirements for prison libraries in Manitoba. She noted that books on a variety of topics, including James Patterson novels, addictions, healing, and Indigenous culture, are particularly popular among inmates.
Vicki Chartrand, an incoming professor at the University of Manitoba, emphasized the importance of reading for individuals who are incarcerated. She explained that reading and education are essential for reintegrating into society after release from prison. Chartrand pointed out that many inmates are severely isolated from the outside world and lack access to current information. She suggested that prisons should modernize their libraries by digitizing resources and providing internet access. Anna Leventhal, a member of the PLC and a writer, also stressed the significance of access to information and knowledge through books. She leads creative writing workshops in prisons and believes that language serves as a powerful tool for healing and self-expression.
Chartrand highlighted the positive impact that prison libraries can have on inmates while they are incarcerated. She mentioned that inmates use library spaces to form communities, share books, and engage in peer-to-peer mentorship programs. Wurmann echoed this sentiment by sharing stories of inmates who rely on their roommates to read to them due to varying literacy levels. She hopes that the presence of prison libraries can provide a safe and supportive environment for inmates to engage in learning, relaxation, storytelling, and other activities. Ultimately, Chartrand emphasized that community stability and support from the outside play a crucial role in helping formerly incarcerated individuals reintegrate successfully.
The PLC is currently accepting book donations for their upcoming book and bake sale, which will take place on June 22 at the West End Commons. They are encouraging community members to donate books until May 31 and provide support for their initiative. Chartrand suggested that engaging in productive activities, such as reading and participating in library programs, can give inmates a sense of identity, meaning, and purpose while they are incarcerated. By providing access to books and library resources, the PLC aims to support the rehabilitation and well-being of individuals who are incarcerated in Manitoba. Their efforts underscore the importance of literacy, education, and community support in helping inmates transition back into society after their release from prison.
