A detention center partnership with the local library system reinvigorates interest in reading by incarcerated individuals in Queen Anne’s County.
In Queen Anne’s County local officials announced the completion of the Empowerment Library project. This is an initiative aimed at expanding and improving the library services available to the incarcerated individuals at Queen Anne’s County Detention Center. The project was funded by grants from the Library Services and Technology Act and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
The project was spearheaded by Officer Marcia Hanifee of the Queen Anne’s County Detention Center who was key in connecting local library staff to the needs and interests of the local incarcerated population.
Quotes from library users in the facility:
“I have discovered a new passion. I have never read before but now I have a new joy to carry with me the rest of my life.”
“The books keep my anxiety down about the uncertainty in my future. It helps me pass the time.”
Warden Lamonte Cooke shares, “This has been a great partnership between the Detention Center and the Library and I look forward to future partnerships.”
Queen Anne’s County Library Director Janet Salazar added, “The Queen Anne’s County Library supports all members of our community, and we are proud to partner with organizations that share our vision of empowerment and education.
