I'd like to start a light debate after reading a doctorate thesis on reading and minor's prison in Brazil.
I found it very interesting. In short, even in the most developed state in Brazil, not all minor's prisons have a library. On those that have, the author noticed that girl's prisons have move mature and developed readers than boy's. She also noted that, because it is an intense imprisonment and despite the very oppressive nature of it, education is also more focused in such places than in public school, and many adolescents start their learning of reading and reading habits there. Speaking about Brazil, such places aren't served books by the Education Department, btw, and are dependent on donations.
She ends with a note of hope, saying how, despite everything, the boys and girls find a way to escape their harsh realities by reading.
- Out of clarification, a "minor's prison" is an intensive facility where adolescents between 12 and 18 years stay locked in, up to their 21 years, after commiting a "crime" (wich isn't called crime. there's another word, but I don't know the translation), in a socioeducative regimen.
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So I'm curious about people's opinion: how is reading and libraries handled in similar situations in your country?
And what do you think about the right of these young people to have access to culture? I've know people of my family who were very against the idea of me donating books to such facilities, out of prejudice.
For myself I'm keen on the idea of donating my children's and young books, and a few boardgames, to such places. Until now I've either sold, donated to libraries or public shools. I'd be happy if even one young reader find pleasure in these books.
by savage_northener
2 Comments
I’m not sure about youth facilities specifically, but in the US most prisons have libraries, though they are often entirely donation-and-volunteer-based organizations. Given the federated nature of US states, though, systems vary *wildly* and some states do fund a staff member to manage the prison library. Generally, the poorer the state the worse the prison conditions overall, which includes the state of the library.
I’m a former juvenile prosecutor in the US. Our local juvenile detention facility (serving boys & girls) had a very nice library. It had classics and modern books in various reading levels. The counselors there said it was one of the best assets and that the kids that read more were better behaved.