In the Media

Highlights of Freedom Reads and its work in the media.

MASS Design Group and Freedom Reads to Install Libraries in 1,000 Prisons Across America
Architectural Digest by Eva Fedderly February 11, 2022

MASS Design Group discusses the design history, features, and intention behind the final form of Freedom Reads’ signature Freedom Libraries.

Books carry inmates beyond the bars
The Christian Science Monitor by Editorial Board December 21, 2021

The Christian Science Monitor Editorial Board notes the importance of libraries and books in prisons in the context of the founding of Freedom Reads.

Prison cell thought to be Malcolm X’s has been reinvented as a library for inmates, part of massive new campaign
The Hill by Shirin Ali December 8, 2021

Freedom Reads is set to open the first Freedom Library at MCI-Norfolk Correctional Facility in Malcolm X’s former cell.

Reginald Dwayne Betts is on a quest to build 1,000 micro-libraries in prisons across the U.S.
WBUR by Tiziana Dearing and Cynthia Betubiza December 4, 2021

A dive into Freedom Reads’ mission, the Freedom Library, and the future of the organization.

Louisiana releases Henry Montgomery, but so many 'juvenile lifers' remain behind bars
MSNBC by Reginald Dwayne Betts November 19, 2021

Reginald Dwayne Betts writes about the plight of juveniles incarcerated for life sentences, and calls for the parole board to consider parole for more folks as they did for Henry Montgomery.

Locked up to libraries: Man uses the power of books to make an impact on people after being in prison
WTNH by Keith Kountz November 1, 2021

How books changed Freedom Reads Founder & CEO Reginald Dwayne Betts' life in prison, and the path to founding Freedom Reads.

'It feels like the start of something': Reginald Dwayne Betts on his groundbreaking prison library project
The Guardian by Adrian Horton October 8, 2021

Reginald Dwayne Betts spoke with The Guardian about the MacArthur grant and what it means for the future of Freedom Reads.

An Obligation to Dignity
Harvard Magazine by Lydialyle Gibson October 6, 2021

A glimpse into Freedom Reads Founder & CEO Reginald Dwayne Betts’ life, the founding of Freedom Reads, and the importance of beauty in prison.

A Canon for the American Prisoner
The New York Review by John J. Lennon October 5, 2021

Incarcerated journalist John J. Lennon in conversation with Freedom Reads Founder & CEO Reginald Dwayne Betts.

Head of the Class: Nearly Half Of The 2021 MacArthur "Genius" Grant Winners Are Black
Essence by Kevin L. Clark September 30, 2021

Freedom Reads Founder & CEO Reginald Dwayne Betts was awarded the MacArthur fellowship and ‘genius’ grant.

Finding Freedom In Words: Lawyer Poet Reginald Dwayne Betts Receives MacArthur Fellowship
NPR by Samantha Raphelson September 29, 2021

Freedom Reads Founder & CEO Reginald Dwayne Betts on receiving the MacArthur fellowship, his journey, and the origin of Freedom Reads.

Here are this year’s MacArthur fellows and ‘genius grant’ recipients
PBS NewsHour by Don Babwin September 28, 2021

Freedom Reads Founder & CEO Reginald Dwayne Betts was awarded the MacArthur fellowship and ‘genius’ grant.