Freedom Reads Brings Inside Literary Prize to Illinois Prisons
Incarcerated judges at two Illinois prisons voted, debated, and heard from award-winning authors as Freedom Reads started its six-state Inside Literary Prize tour.
Freedom Reads, a national nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to literature in prisons, facilitated book discussions, voting, and author events for the third annual Inside Literary Prize at Logan and Shawnee Correctional Centers in Illinois this week.
At Logan Correctional Center, a women's facility in Lincoln, IL, incarcerated judges engaged in an in-depth discussion with Freedom Reads staff before voting for the book they believe should win from a shortlist of five titles: Aednan by Linnea Axelsson (trans. Saskia Vogel); All Fours by Miranda July; Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar; My Friends by Hisham Matar; and The Book Censor's Library by Bothayna Al-Essa (trans. Ranya Abdelrahman and Sawad Hussain). The judges then heard a poetry reading and author talk from Reginald Dwayne Betts — award-winning poet, author, and founder and CEO of Freedom Reads. Freedom Reads also opened seven new Freedom Libraries at the facility, expanding access to literature and creating lasting spaces for connection and reflection for the women at Logan.
“One of the most beautiful things I've experienced with Freedom Reads is returning to a prison to open more libraries. In Illinois this week, it was deeply moving hearing people stop us to thank us for the books. Hearing people tell me that they'd read Felon and it mattered to them. Returning to a prison without handcuffs, to show care and love for people, has become the way we remind ourselves that freedom begins with a book," said Reginald Dwayne Betts.
At Shawnee Correctional Center, a men's facility in Vienna, IL, 25 incarcerated judges engaged in a three-hour book discussion with Freedom Reads staff before welcoming 2025 Inside Literary Prize winner Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah for a book reading and signing of his book, Chain Gang All-Stars.
“Freedom Reads events are grounded in community and a genuine love for the written word. Spending time with the staff and the guys inside felt enriching to my spirit and truly rewarding,” said Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah, who returned to the Inside Literary Prize this year to meet judges at Shawnee Correctional Center.
“Reading creates space for reflection and growth, giving individuals the chance to engage with new ideas and perspectives,” said Illinois Department of Corrections Director Latoya Hughes. “With the expansion of Freedom Libraries and the Inside Literary Prize, more individuals will benefit from resources that support critical thinking and meaningful engagement. We value our partnership with Freedom Reads and their continued commitment to expanding access to these opportunities."
The Illinois stops are part of a six-state prison tour engaging hundreds of incarcerated judges across 12 prisons in Illinois, Minnesota, Washington, Maine, Maryland, and Massachusetts. The Inside Literary Prize winner will be announced in August 2026.