PDCI Inmates Create "Little Free Libraries"

A DOC pilot program at Prairie du Chien Correctional Institution (Wisconsin) is helping promote reading and literacy in Wisconsin communities. Last month, DOC Secretary Gary Hamblin and PDCI Warden Gary Boughton officially presented inmate-crafted library book boxes to the non-profit group the Little Free Library Project for installation in some cities and villages. The DOC effort is part of a statewide Read to Lead Initiative to promote literacy.

The donation is the result of a pilot program between the DOC and the Little Free Library Project to promote reading opportunities for children and literacy for adults. PDCI has a Buildings, Maintenance and Construction vocational program through Southwest Technical College which integrated the construction of the Little Free Library boxes into its curriculum.

“Our partnership with the Little Free Library Project helps promote reading as well as literacy and job skills among our inmate population,” said Secretary Hamblin. “The pilot program takes donated lumber and produces not only more reading opportunities in communities, but valuable woodworking skills for our offenders that they can use later to secure employment. It’s a positive program for everyone involved.”

The Little Free Library Project receives donated boxes and places them in community spots throughout Wisconsin and other states. The inmate-created boxes are decorated with different themes and will be set up in the small Richland County village of Boaz as well as in Kimberly, Madison and Milwaukee. The location of the fifth library box has yet to be decided.

At the presentation Secretary Hamblin said since the pilot project at PDCI has been successful, DOC will explore setting up similar efforts at other institutions to help promote reading opportunities in more Wisconsin communities.

For more information about the Little Free Library Project, visit www.littlefreelibrary.org .

taken from: DOC website