Prison Libraries: Windows to the World

Abstract

Nowadays most states focus on programs and resources that prepare inmates for successful re-entry into society. One of the possible tools in this process of rehabilitation is the prison library. The purpose of this article is twofold: to describe the historical development of prison libraries in an international context, and second, to determine the current state of prison libraries on the basis of the prison literature. The article focuses on the challenges of the unique prison environment, the impacts of prison libraries on the inmates and also the successful library services and programs.