Libraries & Literature in Prison Cellblocks: A Conversation about Freedom Reads

Freedom Reads, a national nonprofit based in Hamden, Connecticut, opens carefully-curated, 500-book, handcrafted libraries in prison cellblocks across the nation. As of the start of 2025, Freedom Reads had opened more than 400 Freedom Libraries in 44 adult and youth prisons across 12 states, including Connecticut and California. Its vision is to open a Freedom Library in every cellblock in every prison in the nation. Founded in 2020, Freedom Reads is the only organization in the nation using literature, design, and architecture to create transformative experiences for people in prison and to meaningfully elevate the dignity of the millions of people in this country touched by the criminal legal system.

Our panelists bring to the discussion the perspectives of Freedom Reads, nearly half of whose staff are formerly incarcerated individuals, and a prison system that has worked with Freedom Reads and has witnessed its impact upon those serving time.

This is a hybrid event; patrons may attend in-person at the library or virtually on Zoom. Registration is required - please sign up below! 

Panelists:

• Brandy Buenafe, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) Principal Librarian 
• Ivan Dominguez, Chief Communications Officer-Freedom Reads
• Steven Parkhurst, Communications Manager-Freedom Reads