Libraries, Empathy, and Second Chances
Correctional Facilities, Libraries, and Empathy
The United States has the highest incarceration rate in the world. Today, approximately 2 million people are incarcerated in prisons and jails across the country. In these facilities, 75% of women experienced physical or sexual assault before incarceration; 68% of people were 18 years old or younger when they were first arrested; 33% had an incarcerated parent during childhood; 40% have a physical or intellectual disability; and Black Americans are incarcerated at five times the rate of White Americans.
This heartbreaking set of facts opened Creating a SPARK: Developing Library Programs for Justice-Impacted People, an impactful presentation by Tom Auger of DeKalb County (GA) Public Library. In this session, Auger shared his work partnering with the Georgia Department of Corrections and his experience supporting incarcerated individuals preparing for reentry.
Individuals returning to the community after incarceration often face barriers related to housing, mental health, physical health, and employment. At the Metro Reentry Facility in DeKalb County, Auger created opportunities for participants to address these challenges and reduce the likelihood of recidivism.
Through digital literacy and professional development programs, participants developed marketable workforce skills, including basic computer use, résumé and cover letter writing, and interview preparation. Perhaps most meaningful was the sense of accomplishment and self-worth these programs fostered.
I also attended Transforming Juvenile Justice Through Partnerships, presented by Ella Uhler, Dorvon Sweeten, and Emily Mays of Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library. Similar to Auger’s work in Georgia, Mays described the library’s partnership with the Hamilton County Juvenile Justice Center. Through this collaboration, the library supports youth with book distribution, book clubs, craft activities, and, most importantly, conversation, encouragement, and connection to library services after release.
Uhler and Sweeten also shared their experiences working with youth inside the library, including behavioral challenges that can arise when libraries serve as major gathering spaces. They emphasized the importance of leading with empathy and using restorative approaches when engaging with young patrons.
What drew me most to both sessions was this shift away from punishment, the daily reality for many of these individuals, toward empathy, forgiveness, and understanding through library programs.
It was an honor to attend the 2026 PLA Conference as a scholarship recipient. The experience revitalized my enthusiasm for my work, for public libraries, and for my continued education. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from so many inspiring professionals.
Resources
Prison Policy Initiative. 2025. 56 Facts About Mass Incarceration [Fact sheet]. https://static.prisonpolicy.org/factsheets/56facts_2025.pdf
Tags: pla2026scholarship
