Expanding Library Service in Jails and Prisons Through Hip Hop, Meditation, and Creativity

Abstract

Queens Public Library expanded its library service in two local correctional facilities: the Queensboro Correctional Facility prison and the Rikers Island jail complex. Our expanded programming included creatively oriented programming, which was broadly concentrated on three themes: our Creative Outlet series, hip hop and other musical programming, and literacy, meditation, and mindfulness programming. These types of programs can create goodwill toward the library by: offering effective programming; generating trust between the library and the facility; and providing opportunities for presenters. After discussing the specifics of this programming, this chapter provides tips for a library to create their own expanded services in a correctional facility and then presents the participant, staff, and presenter responses to Queens Public Library’s expanded programming.

Citation

Capers, K.M., Anderson, J. and Ness, N. (2021), "Expanding Library Service in Jails and Prisons Through Hip Hop, Meditation, and Creativity", Garner, J. (Ed.) Exploring the Roles and Practices of Libraries in Prisons: International Perspectives (Advances in Librarianship, Vol. 49), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 39-56. https://doi.org/10.1108/S0065-283020210000049003