15 New Freedom Libraries Open at MCI-Norfolk

Freedom Reads, the national non-profit, is proud to announce the inauguration of 15 additional Freedom Libraries at MCI-Norfolk, Massachusetts, home to the first-ever Freedom Library launched in November 2021. With this expansion, every incarcerated individual at MCI-Norfolk now has access to these transformative literary spaces.

Crafted by 2021 MacArthur Fellow Reginald Dwayne Betts, the visionary behind the Freedom Libraries, these spaces embody beauty and dignity, fostering community and exploration within prison walls. Inspired by Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision, they symbolize the "arc of the universe" bending "toward justice."

Reginald Dwayne Betts, Founder & CEO of Freedom Reads, expressed gratitude for the continued partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Correction, stating, "We are reaffirming our commitment to creating a space for community, beauty, and inquiry."

MCI-Norfolk Superintendent Nelson Alves echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of education and reading in correctional facilities, fostering a sense of community.

The impact of Freedom Reads extends beyond MCI-Norfolk, with plans to expand to North Central Correctional Institution and MCI-Shirley, bringing equitable access to powerful works for all.

Discover more about Freedom Reads and the transformative Freedom Libraries project at https://freedomreads.org/