Incarcerated teens have been removed from society, including the negative influences in their lives. The Juvenile Detention Center offers these teens a chance to reset their lives through education and positive behaviors. Because they have little opportunity for recreation, reading and educational programs can introduce teens to healthy habits and interests they had yet to discover prior to incarceration.

We included teens in the establishment of an in-house library at the Juvenile Detention Center and empowered them to care for the collection. Teens felt ownership and responsibility over the materials and began to request books of interest to them. Like other teens, these children became curious about the world. We have held author visits, petting zoos, science experiments and art activities in addition to technology to support academic achievement.

While institutionalized, the teens develop an independent relationship with learning through their exposure to books and programs from Lexington Public Library's outreach program. Upon release from the Detention Center, teens receive their own library card and an open invitation to the library. We encourage reading, intellectual exploration and academic success amongst these vulnerable teenagers to prevent recidivism and prepare them for happy and productive adult lives.