Log in

DonateDonateDonateJoinPicture of the Thomas Jefferson memorial in the background with cherry blossoms in the foreground.Donate 

Books Behind Bars: a Discussion on the Need for Library Services at the DC Jail

  • 21 Apr 2014
  • 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
  • Petworth Citizen: Reading Room - 829 Upshur St NW, Washington DC 20011

Registration

Registration is closed
Join the DC Library Association and the DC Jail Library Coalition for an evening of drinks and conversation in the Petworth Citizen Reading Room (829 Upshur St NW), where we will discuss the importance of reading, writing and other forms of creative activity behind bars - and how Washingtonians can get involved with local efforts to support our incarcerated neighbors. 

Conversation will begin at 7pm but come early to enjoy the delicious food and drinks that Petworth Citizen has to offer. The event will include speakers from a range of organizations, including the following individuals and groups:
  • Sherman Justice from Free Minds, an organization that facilitates book clubs and poetry writing, and provides a variety of support, for 16- and 17-year-olds tried as adults incarcerated at the D.C. Jail  www.freemindsbookclub.org/

  • Stacey Litner from DC Books to Prisons Project, an all-volunteer group that collects, sorts, and donates reading material to incarcerated citizens at the D.C. Jail www.dcbookstoprisoners.org/

  • Glennor Shirley, former head librarian for Maryland prisons, recently-retired prison librarian for more than two decades, and renowned prison literacy activist www.washingtonpost.com/ local/ glennor-shirley-head-librar ian-for-md-prisons-believe s-in-books-behind-bars/ 2011/03/25/ AFXcTbYB_story.html

  • Mark Strandquist, from Windows from Prison, a project that provides former residents of D.C. now incarcerated at federal penitentiaries across the country with photographs of their favorite places from their city, neighborhoods, and pasts www.windowsfromprison.com/

  • Alison Ganem, Volunteer Poetry Teacher at the Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Program of the D.C. Jail

  • Sam Jewler of the D.C. Jail Library Coalition, a group that successfully lobbied for the creation of a library at D.C.'s Central Detention Facility 

  • Meaghan O'Connor, Assistant Director of Programs and Partnerships at D.C. Public Libraries, which -- in partnership with the Department of Corrections -- will oversee the new library system at the D.C. Jail
Bring family, colleagues, fellow activists, and friends. This event is free and open to all members of the public. Registration online is optional!

Petworth Citizen is a restaurant and bar located at 829 Upshur St NW, Washington DC 20011. It is walking distance from the Georgia Ave/Petworth Metro Station.

Mailing Address:
DC Library Association
 2 Massachusetts Ave. NE
 Unit #: 1653
Washington, DC 20013
Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software