In the Media

Highlights of Freedom Reads and its work in the media.

Inside Literary Prize: First major book award judged by incarcerated people
Brooklyn Daily Eagle by Robert Abruzzese July 15, 2024

On August 1, Freedom Reads, the National Book Foundation, and the Center for Justice Innovation, with support from Lori Feathers, will announce the winner of the inaugural Inside Literary Prize.

Freedom Reads founder Betts to receive top honor from Library of Virginia
Richmond Free Press July 11, 2024

Freedom Reads Founder & CEO Reginald Dwayne Betts is slated to receive the Library of Virginia's honorary Patron of Letters degree, the institution's highest honor, this September.

Inside America’s Least Probable Prison Experiment
Financial Times by Madison Darbyshire June 29, 2024

Freedom Reads Founder & CEO Reginald Dwayne Betts is quoted in the Financial Times' deep dive on the implementation of the Puppies Behind Bars program at Green Haven Correctional Facility, a maximum security prison in New York.

Incarcerated Colorado women first to judge national book writing contest
9 News Denver by Evan Kruegel June 22, 2024

Hear from Inside Literary Prize judge Shantel at La Vista Correctional Facility in Colorado and Freedom Reads Communications Manager Steven Parkhurst about the power of reading and books inside prison.

Poet Dwayne Betts reflects on Juneteenth
Spectrum News NY1 by Annika Pergament June 18, 2024

Freedom Reads Founder & CEO Reginald Dwayne Betts joined Annika Pergament on Spectrum News NY1's Rush Hour to reflect on Juneteenth.

Injustice and the "Letter from Birmingham Jail" (with Dwayne Betts)
EconTalk June 3, 2024

Freedom Reads Founder & CEO Reginald Dwayne Betts speaks about the time he read Martin Luther King Jr.'s "Letter from Birmingham Jail" from prison, and his upcoming introduction to a new volume of King's letter.

Justice Department official visits Connecticut promoting expanded access-to-justice initiatives
Legal Newsline May 31, 2024

Freedom Reads Founder & CEO Reginald Dwayne Betts met with Director Rachel Rossi of the Justice Department's Office for Access to Justice to discuss initiatives for reentry and access to counsel.

In Connection with Felon Theater Project, Freedom Reads Partners with Princeton University to Open Libraries in NJ Prisons
Princeton University May 28, 2024

Freedom Reads opened nine Freedom Libraries in New Jersey through the support of the Princeton University Library, extending a partnership with Princeton University that began in 2021 with the adaption of Freedom Reads Founder & CEO Reginald Dwayne Betts’ poetry collection FELON into a solo show, FELON: An American Washi Tale.

National Nonprofit Partners with University to Open Libraries in New Jersey Prisons
Town Topics by Anne Levin May 22, 2024

With supports from Princeton University Library, Freedom Reads opened 9 Freedom Libraries in cellblocks at Garden State Correctional Facility in New Jersey.

First 'Freedom Libraries' in NJ Open at Garden State Correctional Facility
TAPintoBordentown by Elizabeth A Meyers May 19, 2024

Freedom Reads, with support from the Princeton University Library, opened 9 Freedom Libraries in Garden State Correctional Facility in New Jersey.

Inmates tell their own stories to bridge the gap to the outside world
Cardinal News by Grace Mamon May 15, 2024

Freedom Reads Founder & CEO Reginald Dwayne Betts was among 28 speakers at the first TEDx Talk event held inside a Virginia prison — about 20 of the speakers were currently incarcerated at the prison.

Literature To Life Adds I AM NOT YOUR PERFECT MEXICAN DAUGHTER To Its Roster
Broadway World by A.A. Cristi May 15, 2024

Freedom Reads is partnering with Literature to Life to co-produce an adaptation of I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sánchez.