Reginald Dwayne Betts, a poet and author who began his literary journey while incarcerated, is making an impact through his nonprofit, Freedom Reads. The organization brings libraries to incarcerated individuals, providing access to books and opportunities for reflection and personal growth. A recent visit to the Women's Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center (WERDCC) marked Freedom Reads’ 521st installation, according to the Missouri Department of Corrections.
The initiative provides 24/7 access to reading materials, supplementing existing prison libraries. While Missouri Department of Corrections facilities hold roughly 197,000 volumes, the availability offered by Freedom Reads’ custom bookcases increases access. The two-sided shelves feature a curated selection of books and support a shared reading space within the facility. Taryn Carroll, an incarcerated resident at WERDCC, acknowledged the program and the opportunity to use the books.
Freedom Reads’ program also extends benefits to Missouri Department of Corrections staff. Reginald Dwayne Betts, founder of Freedom Reads, noted that interactions over books sometimes began when correctional officers recommended reading materials or encouraged residents’ engagement. The program is designed to provide educational resources and support personal development for both residents and staff within the correctional environment.
At WERDCC, the bookcases also provide residents with a sense of structure and access to educational resources. Kathy Briggs, a soon-to-be-released resident and mother, assists with inventorying the books and plans to complete her reading list prior to her release. The program offers residents continuous access to curated materials, supporting both learning and personal development within the facility.
Kathy Briggs, a WERDCC resident preparing for release, finds the Freedom Reads bookcases provide both a sense of normalcy and an intellectual resource. She has been assisting with inventorying the books and developing a reading list to complete before her release, viewing the materials as a tool to support her transition and continued learning as she prepares to reunite with her twin daughters.
