Incarcerated build connection between society and prison through literacy

Residents rushed into the small prison library 10 to 15 at a time where a dozen tables loaded with children’s books stood scattered during the Book Fair. 

Resident Saias Nuñez, who had been waiting in a line that stretched all the way from the library to the Lower Yard, said his first selection was a children’s Bible.

“I believe these last longer than the other books because they will give them real wisdom,” said Saias, who also chose a National Geographic book titled How Things Work. “I chose this one so that they can get a better idea about how things work so they can be more aware of their surroundings.”

Seven hundred and twenty-two children received books from incarcerated family members, thanks to the 1,800 children’s books donated by the Berkeley Public Library, Book Passage, San Francisco Public Library, and Copperfield’s Book Store. Friends of the San Quentin Library sponsored the event.

Resident Brandon Sears said he felt seen by the people who donated and paid the shipping cost of the books. He said they recognize that even people in prison have children too.

“It’s the memories, regardless to the situation,” said Sears. “It makes our relationship closer and my kids will always remember that their dad read books to them.”

The categories Board Books, Español, Graphic Novels, Sports Books, Picture Books, Science Books, Gift Books, and Activity Books hung from the walls and tables defining the type of books on that table. Other tables labeled 2–7, 8–11, and 12–15 pointed to age specific books.

Volunteers walked around helping residents pick out books for their children by recommending trendy kid books for their age group. The variety of books ranged from fictional characters and superheroes to dinosaurs and the Solar System.

One volunteer in particular was Michael. He works at the Berkeley Public Library and has participated in the SQ Book Fair twice. He said he credits his excitement for the event to his love for literacy and bridging the connection between incarcerated people and their families.

“I hope I can help [residents] find the right book,” said Michael. “That the book they choose helps them develop a connection with their children.”

Literacy manager Natalie works at the San Francisco Public Library. She said she is interested in helping incarcerated folks bridge the gap between society and prison through reentry support.

“The opportunity to come inside and help folks bridge the gap is the start of those connections,” Natalie said.

Terra, a first time volunteer at the book fair, shared the Natalie’s sentiment, saying she felt joy sharing the space with the incarcerated people.

“It’s really good to see the process and to be here with people,” she said. “I also think people [in society] want to be helpful.”

Bryan also works at the San Francisco Public Library. He said that this collaborative effort to work with local libraries and community members is a small step in the right direction.

“I do this to try to make that little bit of difference in the world, even if it is a simple hello,”  he said. Bryan also works with youth in a juvenile facility in San Francisco. He noted that every time he visits a facility, he recognizes the growth in the people incarcerated there and invites others to witness that growth. “I believe there is a perception in society about people in prison, but that is not the case.”

Pam is a volunteer with Friends of [the] SQ Library. She spoke about her love of book fairs as a kid and said she wanted to share that with the residents of SQ.

“It is important for the residents to stay connected with their children, and books are one way of doing that,” Pam said.