SAN FRANCISCO – San Francisco Public Library (SFPL), in partnership with the American Library Association (ALA) , is leading a groundbreaking national effort to expand access to books, information and professional library services for incarcerated individuals and people reentering their communities. Supported by more than $4 million from the Mellon Foundation, SFPL launched the Expanding Information Access for Incarcerated People initiative to address the urgent and growing need for equitable information access in carceral settings. The initiative has established professional standards, built a nationwide network of practitioners, developed virtual training modules, published field research and strengthened mentoring and reentry support.

Approximately 1,200 people are incarcerated in San Francisco jails on any given day. For many, library services are transformative. Darius Coleman, a former patron who used SFPL services while incarcerated, shared: “When the SFPL Library Service entered the living unit, they introduced me to books that brought me into reality — self-help, stories of people who overcame struggles like mine and books on how to build a business from the ground up.”

Since 2022, SFPL has expanded its local expertise into national resources for the profession. The initiative offers virtual training videos, an interactive map showing where academic, law and public library services for incarcerated people exist, state-of-the-field white papers and an art exhibit featuring incarcerated and formerly incarcerated artists.

The initiative also fosters professional community. A 2025 in-person convening at the ALA Annual Conference brought together more than 100 librarians, information workers and thought leaders from across the country to share strategies and strengthen collaboration. Bi-monthly virtual meetings continue to connect practitioners year-round.

To support emerging leaders, SFPL hosted a highly competitive virtual mentorship cohort in fall 2025. Approximately 230 individuals expressed interest, and 30 participants were selected. The 2026 cohort is expected to include 20 participants, continuing the program’s investment in the next generation of library workers committed to this field. Anders Villalta of the Los Angeles Public Library’s Library Experience Office and a 2025 cohort participant, said, “I came away with a fuller understanding of the challenges and opportunities in existing and potential library services. I am now meeting with colleagues to strategize the development of direct services in local carceral facilities.”

The initiative emphasizes digital literacy as central to successful reentry. The project has published T.E.C.H. for Reentry, which provides librarians with guidance for supporting patrons’ digital literacy after incarceration “Digital literacy support is essential for people returning home, as so many basic tasks now require digital skills,” said Natalie Enright, Literacy Manager at SFPL’s Bridge Learning and Literacy Center. “Library programs create trusted, low-barrier spaces where people can build confidence and reconnect with their communities.” Tammy Ortiz, Senior Analyst at Ithaka S+R, added: “The connections patrons make with librarians ease the reentry process and empower them to seek support for digital literacy concerns. As someone who spent a short time in prison, libraries and books helped me survive being away from my family.”

The Expanding Information Access for Incarcerated People initiative is now entering its fifth year. Jeanie Austin, Jail and Reentry Services Librarian at SFPL and lead on the grant project, said, “Being in conversation with librarians who are committed to providing library services that meet people where they are at, respond to their information needs, and recognize their wide array of interests has been the sustaining force behind the grant. I look forward to welcoming more librarians and information workers into our community as we continue to imagine new and better services for all library patrons.”