CRPL found resources could be mutually beneficial to the Library and young adults at the Linn County Juvenile Detention & Diversion Services facility. CRPL provided diverse reading materials in conjunction with the Read Woke program, which achieved the goal of providing materials reflecting themselves, as well as elevating under-represented voices. The expertise and experience of the incarcerated youth were used to create reader’s advisory and discussions about literacy for young adults and develop an audio program.

CRPL staff delivered a diverse collection of books to teens in JDDS each week and facilitated weekly book discussions which were recorded and shared virtually with the community. This audio program called “Be Heard”, elevated participants voices outside their facilities. Curating the collection to ensure teens could see themselves in what they read was key, as well as giving them a safe space to share their stories. Tech was implemented during the pandemic to do this remotely and privacy was maintained.

CRPL staff delivered over 170 books to JDDS between March and August, including memoirs, nonfiction, poetry and more, all with the goal of diversifying their collection and increasing access to materials which reflect their own stories. Teens were able to take a book with them upon their release. More than 20 teens participated in this program over the course of the summer, and seven episodes of Read Woke are available online. Relationships with the JDDS and partners were strengthened and the program will be replicated.