“A fascinating look into a world many of us never see, and a powerful story about one woman’s journey to find her own strength, with a clear message of the importance of books and information for all.” —Booklist (American Library Association), starred review Shortlisted for the 2020 Social Justice & Advocacy Book Award by In the Margins Book Awards.In December 2008, twentysomething Jill … 2008, twentysomething Jill Grunenwald graduated with her master’s degree in library science, ready to start living her dream of becoming a librarian. But the economy had a different idea. As the Great Recession reared its ugly head, jobs were scarce. After some searching, however, Jill was lucky enough to snag one of the few librarian gigs left in her home state of Ohio. The catch? The job was behind bars as the prison librarian at a men’s minimum-security prison. Talk about baptism by fire.
As an untested twentysomething woman, to say that the job was out of Jill’s comfort zone was an understatement. She was forced to adapt on the spot, speedily learning to take the metal detectors, hulking security guards, and colorful inmates in stride. Over the course of a little less than two years, Jill came to see past the bleak surroundings and the orange jumpsuits and recognize the humanity of the men stuck behind bars. They were just like every other library patron—persons who simply wanted to read, to be educated and entertained through the written word. By helping these inmates, Jill simultaneously began to recognize the humanity in everyone and to discover inner strength that she never knew she had.
At turns poignant and hilarious, Reading behind Bars is a perfect read for fans of Orange is the New Black and Shakespeare Saved My Life.
more
Interesting insight into prison employment and life in prison in general.
An intense report of a world apart.
Another perspective of libraries serving the population.
A side of libraries that you never see or hear about. Was glad to glimpse a look into that world through the writers story.
Was disappointed and not really impressed with the writing.
This was an engaging personal story that humanized the prison experience by placing its the library. This space was the only place prisoners could interact outside of the eyes of prison staff. Woven into the story was the author’s newly-graduated librarian story, and the personal changes she experienced at this time in her life. I enjoyed it and recommend it.
In a minimum- security men’s prison, a recent woman graduate gets the job of prison librarian when her predecessor was hastily fired. In this non-fiction account Ms G, as her library patrons call her, goes from initial near terror to finally hitting her stride in her new career. She takes us through some unusual situations along the way, all centered around the prison rules; there is “seg” or solitary for breaking the rules , for example, and she has to take books there and distribute them. It’s a fun yet thought-provoking read I think you’ll enjoy.
I just finished Reading Behind Bars by Jill Grunenwald. What a fascinating memoir by a librarian who worked in a men’s minimum-security prison, as the only job she could get with a freshly-minted MLS degree. Reading geeks, and of course librarians will love this – but it is also an easy, engaging read for a book club, almost conversational in tone. The author is so well-read she frequently uses phrases from other books most will recognize, and is honest about her shortcomings and successes. Mostly, it is also a tribute to the power of libraries to transform, and allow people to just be. I loved this one and finished it in two days. Very different – perhaps that’s what makes it good. (And, perhaps fitting, I checked my copy out of my local library.)
There is not enough literature representing librarians — the guardians of books — or the incarcerated, who are under constant guard. Grunenwald amiably gives voice to both in an important, interesting memoir that celebrates the liberating power of literature and the right to the freedom to read.
Reading Behind Bars shines a light on an important but often ignored corner of the literary world. This book makes you laugh while giving you a fresh perspective on why libraries are crucial in society today. Grunenwald’s story is as entertaining as it is enlightening — it’s Susan Orlean’s The Library Book meets Orange is the New Black. If you’re a book lover, don’t miss this one. A vital read for 2019.
I stayed up all night to finish Jill Grunenwald’s utterly engrossing account of her time working in a prison library. It’s funny, fascinating, and often moving, and it shines much-needed light into a world most of us will never experience.