Study Notes on the Role of Libraries in Supporting Individuals Reentering Society Post-Incarceration

Libraries serve as critical resources for individuals recently released from prison, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lee and Dennis Horton were wrongfully convicted of robbery and murder in 1993.
They spent 28 years in prison.
Context of their incarceration:
- Year of conviction: 1993
- President during their conviction: Bill Clinton
- Cultural context: Limited usage of cell phones, social interactions largely face-to-face.
Upon release, they faced technological challenges unfamiliar to them, such as using kiosks in fast food restaurants, specifically mentioning a visit to Burger King.

Maintained innocence throughout incarceration.
Became mentors and peer support counselors in prison.
Organized workshops, advocated for change, and performed in plays.
Public support for their release included a Change.org petition with thousands of signatures and op-ed pieces advocating for their freedom.
Their sentences were commuted by the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons towards the end of the previous year prior to their release.

Lee Horton indicated struggles with modern technology:
- Lacked knowledge on sending texts.
- Difficulty writing resumes and scheduling health appointments (e.g., for COVID-19 vaccines).
The brothers require assistance in acclimating to everyday tasks post-release.

Libraries historically viewed as supportive, welcoming places for the formerly incarcerated.
Key services offered include:
- Access to free computers and internet.
- Classes on technology use, such as learning to send emails and online job searching.
Peggy Cadigan from the New Jersey State Library emphasized accessibility:
- No identification required for entry.
- Support available for tech assistance and job-related activities.

A New Jersey State Library initiative focusing on helping formerly incarcerated individuals reintegrate into society.
Services offered include:
- Training on modern technology (e.g., making FaceTime calls).
- Compiling information on job fairs and local food banks.

The pandemic has accelerated early releases from prison; over 100,000 people were released between March and the following months, a 3.5 times increase from the previous year.
Physical library access was limited, prompting the Fresh Start program to adapt to virtual platforms, presenting challenges in tech-savviness among clients.
Social workers have had to conduct meetings outdoors, which raised confidentiality concerns for clients worried about being overheard.
Many clients concealed their incarceration from their community, necessitating discretion during meetings.

Nicole Warren, a social worker with Fresh Start, noted the critical challenge of informing individuals about available library resources.
Pre-pandemic, library visits by clients would average five per day; this dropped to about five for an entire week post-pandemic.

Jondhi Harrell, program manager of Fresh Start, highlighted the complexities of reintegrating into society after incarceration.
Reintegration needs exceed simple job training; emotional and familial considerations are significant:
- Trauma experienced by individuals and their families due to incarceration.
- The difficulty in rebuilding family relationships, as noted by Harrell’s own experience with his daughter questioning his stability upon release.
The necessity of providing emotional and therapeutic support within the reentry process along with practical aid such as computer training and job readiness.
Harrell expressed a desire for the full reopening of libraries to facilitate knowledge-seeking and rehabilitation for the formerly incarcerated.