While many prisons are not yet supplied with a library, there are
efforts being made on this line for the education and elevation of
the minds of the prisoners. For those who have already received an
education there are many valuable books in the library to furnish them
something to occupy their minds at such times as they may have to read.
Some states furnish so many thousand books and an appropriation of $500
a year for library purposes. Among the books furnished are scientific
works, history, biography, and others of a religious and moral nature,
together with many novels and works of fiction. The Christian people
of our land should see to it that a greater number of books of a real
spiritual cast are placed at the disposal of prisoners.
About two years ago, after receiving some earnest letters of
appreciation and thankfulness from prisoners who had received books
and papers, a deeper sympathy was awakened in their behalf. For
some days I became greatly burdened in behalf of a certain prison,
concerning supplying the prisoners with a library of good books. Not
knowing whether they had a library or whether the prison officials
would receive the books and put them into the hands of the prisoners, I
hesitated. As the burden for this matter could not be so easily thrown
off, my next step was to visit the prison and make investigations
through the prison officials, and was not a little surprised to find
they were without a library, though at that time were preparing a large
library room, intending to make a plea to the people for a donation
of books. As soon as the room was finished it was my pleasure to see
that $1000 worth of well-bound books were placed in the library for
the prisoners, being donated by those who have an interest in the men
behind the bars. It has also been a source of gratitude to know that
these books have been appreciated and enjoyed by the many prisoners who
read them in their cells and in the library.
In some prisons about twenty per cent. or more of the prisoners are
unable to read or write. For this reason schools are being formed
where such, especially those who desire to do so, can have a chance to
receive an education. These schools are generally held in the library
room and taught by one of the prisoners.