Cutting edge technology accessible for teens behind bars? It IS possible. We started with giant questions: Is virtual reality an effective library program? How do we design a replicable curriculum to inspire creative independence for incarcerated teens ⁠— some of the most marginalized in our state? Most importantly, how do we close the technology gap for these teens? Combining resources, knowledge, staff and access made it happen ... even if it was a little bumpy at times.

With an IMLS Community Catalyst grant, large organizations contributed their greatest strengths to bring top caliber, innovative programming for youth experiencing incarceration. Based on a longstanding relationship between KCLS and a Washington State youth detention facility as well as technology access from Washington State Library, UW designed and taught an extensive virtual reality curriculum. UW curated an exhibit about the youths’ VR experiences, which was displayed at the local KCLS library branch.

Students’ awareness and perception of public library services greatly improved over the course of the project. Additionally, the principal at the detention facility shared that behavior saw a marked improvement during and after the VR workshops, indicating that the project was important to and valued by youth. With increased trust from both the detention facility staff and students, KCLS and UW built enormous goodwill towards designing future programming and services for youth experiencing incarceration.