In the Media

Highlights of Freedom Reads and its work in the media.

Nonprofit opens 32 ‘Freedom Libraries’ at VA correctional centers
DC News Now by Gabby Allen March 4, 2024

Freedom Reads opened 32 Freedom Libraries in cell blocks at Dillwyn and Buckingham Correctional Centers in Virginia, and Freedom Reads Founder & CEO Reginald Dwayne Betts performed his solo show, FELON: An American Washi Tale, at both prisons.

Nonprofit Freedom Reads opens 32 ‘Freedom Libraries’ in VADOC’s Buckingham County facilities
ABC8News by Kendal McAuley March 4, 2024

Freedom Reads Founder & CEO Reginald Dwayne Betts performed his solo show, FELON: An American Washi Tale, and the Freedom Reads team opened 32 Freedom Libraries, at Dillwyn and Buckingham Correctional Centers in Virginia to commemorate the 19th anniversary of Dwayne's release from prison.

Spotlight: Freedom Reads Social Impact Fellowship
GradFUTURES by Pria Garcelle March 2, 2024

Pria Garcelle, a Princeton University GradFUTURES Social Impact Fellow with Freedom Reads, reflects on Freedom Reads' team trip to Montgomery, Alabama to visit the Equal Justice Initiative's Legacy Museum and National Memorial for Peace and Justice.

How one poet is bringing literature to prisons, and how you can help
WGBH by Jared Bowen February 26, 2024

Freedom Reads Founder & CEO Reginald Dwayne Betts spoke with WGBH's Jared Bowen, host of The Culture Show, about access to literature in prisons and how books inspire, fuel conversation, and create shared experience.

Poet and lawyer works to change life in prisons
Spectrum News NY1 by Annika Pergament February 21, 2024

Freedom Reads Founder & CEO Reginald Dwayne Betts spoke with NY1’s Annika Pergament about the origin of Freedom Reads, the power of literature behind bars, and his experience in solitary confinement. Dwayne also read from his acclaimed book of poetry, FELON.

Freedom Reads program brightening lives of incarcerated New Yorkers
Spectrum News 1 by Brooke Reilly February 9, 2024

Spectrum News chatted with library patrons at Otisville Correctional Facility in New York about the Freedom Library and how reading helps them imagine new possibilities for their lives.

A look at efforts to beef up libraries in Mass. prisons and jails
WBUR by Simón Rios and Amanda Beland February 6, 2024

Freedom Reads Founder & CEO Reginald Dwayne Betts spoke about access to literature in Massachusetts prisons, the 500-book Freedom Library collection, and the Inside Literary Prize.

Dr. King Honored by Leaders at BAM
Our Time Press January 19, 2024

Reginald Dwayne Betts, Freedom Reads Founder & CEO, delivered an inspirational keynote address at the Brooklyn Academy of Music’s annual tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Cleveland Public Library to host talk with prison literacy activist, author
Signal Cleveland by Stephanie Casanova January 18, 2024

Freedom Reads Founder & CEO Reginald Dwayne Betts will speak about the barriers to accessing books in prison at a Cleveland Public Library event.

Gloria Estefan, Martin Sheen, Mitt Romney & More Headline ‘The Thread,’ New Documentary Series From Life Stories About Purpose-Driven Lives
Deadline by Matthew Carey January 17, 2024

The Thread, a documentary series by Life Stories about living a purpose driven life, will feature author, poet, and Freedom Reads Founder & CEO Reginald Dwayne Betts among other influential Americans.

BAM Hosts 38th Annual MLK Day Event
BKReader by Brianna Robles January 16, 2024

At the Brooklyn Academy of Music’s annual tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Freedom Reads Founder & CEO Reginald Dwayne Betts “expressed how mercy is the wish of many Black and Brown people who are incarcerated.”

BAM hosts 38th Annual Brooklyn tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
New York Amsterdam News by AmNews Staff Reports January 16, 2024

Freedom Reads Founder & CEO Reginald Dwayne Betts delivered the keynote address at the Brooklyn Academy of Music’s tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.