Books Behind Bars

I went to see a documentary last week, about the program started by GELA (Greater Edmonton Library Association) the group that Allison and Kirsten are involved in. It was so good, there were more different programs then I had thought. The film had interviews with some of the inmates explaining what the programs meant to them. And a cameo performance by our librarian Allison. After the film there was a panel discussion and one of the inmates from the film who has been released from the prison. Her name is Glori, and she really made it personal, talking about the impact the program had on her, she is going to school to become a Youth Services Worker. she told one story about when she was first out of prison, her 12 year old daughter came to stay with her at the halfway house, and her daughter opened her backpack, and had all the books that Glori had recorded as a part of the Storytime program, and asked her Mom to read them to her. It was very moving.

It is starting to melt here, and getting a bit warmer, so I hope it lasts.