Inside Literary Prize Reveals 2026 Shortlist and Announces Six-State Prison Tour with Incarcerated Judges
Hundreds of incarcerated judges will select winner of the nation's first major book prize decided exclusively by people in prison
Reginald Dwayne Betts Performs Felon: An American Washi Tale at San Quentin
March 4 performance marks 21 years since Betts’ release from prison
Freedom Reads Opens Libraries Inside California Medical Facility
Freedom Reads brings the power of books to incarcerated men
Freedom Reads Opens 35 Freedom Libraries in New Jersey Prisons
New openings at South Woods State Prison and Middlesex County Juvenile Detention Center bring statewide total to more than 75 libraries opened in 2025.
Freedom Reads Opens Libraries at Middlesex County Juvenile Detention Center
The new libraries, built by formerly incarcerated staff, aim to foster imagination, self-expression, and hope for young people inside.
Freedom Reads Opens Libraries Inside Maryland Youth Detention Centers
In partnership with the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services, the national nonprofit brings Freedom Libraries to young readers inside, transforming detention spaces into places for imagination and growth.
Freedom Reads Brings Collaborative Poetry Project to Prison in Puerto Rico
Events at Instituto Educativo and La Casa del Libro celebrate the power of poetry and collaboration.
Freedom Reads Expands Access to Books in Missouri Prisons with the Opening of 35 Freedom Libraries
These are the first Freedom Libraries in Missouri
Freedom Reads Hosts Literary Event in Massachusetts Prison Featuring Reginald Dwayne Betts and Dr. Imani Perry
The event featured readings from Doggerel and South to America, followed by an intimate conversation and book signing with incarcerated women, revealing the power of literature to build connection and hope inside correctional facilities.
Freedom Libraries Open at Camden County Juvenile Detention Center
National non-profit Freedom Reads opens 5 more Freedom Libraries in New Jersey. New Jersey now has 51 of the 520 Freedom Libraries that Freedom Reads has opened.
Freedom Reads Opens 500th Freedom Library
Milestone library opening marks Freedom Reads’ continued success bringing literature and hope into prison cellblocks across America.
2025 Inside Literary Prize Awarded to Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah
Second annual Prize, judged by 300 incarcerated judges across 15 prisons, awarded at a ceremony at The New York Public Library.