Prison Libraries and Prison Education: Books towards Post Incarceration Reformation and Rehabilitating

Abstract

The prison system as a social institution is concerned with reformation and rehabilitation of societal offenders. The experience of incarceration has significant psychological effects for all ex-inmates. Thus, the prison has been said to have a ‘revolving door’, signifying the
number of ex-inmate returnees to the prison environment having been found guilty of crimes, sometimes even more grievous than previous offences. This paper assesses prison education, prison library and their roles in the reintegration and resettlement of incarcerated persons upon release. Literature reviewed revealed that, although there are cases of successful integration of ex-offenders into the society, the condition for most of them remains pitiable as most are usually ushered into the society without resettlement, and consequently, they come face-to-face with the full wrath of isolation. Reformation, rehabilitation, reintegration, and resettlement were identified as the four cardinal points of reformation for incarcerated persons. Therefore, it was concluded that bibliotherapy is an essential tool in reformation
process and equipping them with information and skills necessary for life after prison is key to successful reintegration. The paper recommended that bibliotherapy should be fully utilized in the reformation efforts for offenders. Also, the Nigerian government should be fully engaged with the aftermath issues of ex-offenders to reduce crime and further promote inclusive human capital development and curb recidivism.