December 10, 1 p.m., presented by Aaron Bloomberg
Incarceration in the United States affects all members of society whether directly or indirectly. Prison libraries, like their public counterparts, are uniquely positioned to provide a safe environment for individuals to access the resources needed to enhance their knowledge and skills to further their education to prepare for their future.
Statistically, those who are incarcerated have much lower literacy rates than those who are not incarcerated. Frequently, libraries are left out of the equation when implementing literacy programs in carceral environments. Prison libraries, partnering with other library types, can be the catalyst to increasing literacy in preparation for further education and successful reintegration post-incarceration.
This webinar will provide insights into prison literacy programs, offer ideas of how libraries can and should take the lead in improving their incarcerated patrons’ literacy skills, and challenge participants to take part in creating or enhancing literacy programs with library support.
Attendees will be able to:
- Create a plan to start a literacy program within their organization.
- Identify and create partnerships with outside organizations for programming.
- Identify impactful resources, data, and support for literacy programs in carceral facilities
Aaron Bloomberg – Biography
Aaron Blumberg is a degree-holding librarian, justice-impacted advocate, consultant, and trainer. Aaron was a member of the working group which updated the American Library Association’s “Standards for Library Services for the Incarcerated or Detained” and has served as an advisor and consultant on IMLS grant-funded projects. His current research and advocacy endeavors include prison literacy programs; access and accessibility; partnerships between carceral, public, and academic libraries; and breaking down barriers to education during and after incarceration.
The views expressed in webinars provided by PCI do not necessarily reflect the views or official policies of the State of Arkansas, the Arkansas Department of Education, or the Arkansas State Library.