NEWPORT NEWS — A cart loaded with well more than 100 books makes its way through the Newport News City Jail on a regular basis.
It features books from Agatha Christie to David Baldacci to Mary Higgins Clark, from historical biographies to mystery to sports to multiple copies of the bible.
But there’s always a need for more, said Dottie Wikan, the spokeswoman for the Newport News Sheriff’s Office.
“Someone just donated five boxes of books,” she wrote in an email. “We can always use more, and because we accept paperbacks year-round, there’s always a need.”
The jail accepts only paperback books, which don’t last as long as books with hard covers.
“Most jails have some sort of inmate reading/book program/library,” she said. “There has been some sort of book/reading program almost as long as the jail has been in existence.”
She noted programs of this nature are popular at most jails, and about one-third of the inmates at the Newport News City Jail ask for books. There is no genre, topic or author more popular than others.
“However, we can say some inmates ask if there’s anything other than romance novels,” Wikan said.
After the books are donated, they are added to a library cart. A deputy then takes the cart to the cell blocks, and the inmates can select books, usually no more than two.
Positive results
The inmates enjoy the program for a variety of reasons: It relieves boredom, they learn, some just like to read, and “it helps them pass the time,” Wikan said.
A quick look on the Internet finds numerous studies showing the many positive results when inmates are encouraged to read. One study showed recidivism rates are sharply reduced when inmates have access to reading and education.
“The inmates appreciate having something additional to read,” Wikan said, noting the inmates are allowed to read the newspaper on a daily basis. “It stimulates their minds, gives them an additional activity, and it cuts down on boredom.”
And the inmates appreciate the donations.
“One inmate said it was great to have new books to choose from,” Wikan said. “When he was told that books were donated by the public, he thought that was nice.”
If you are interested in donating books to the Newport News City Jail, call Wikan at 757-926-8747.
