Illinois is awarding $420,000 to the Illinois Department of Corrections to support 28 prison libraries in the state. 

According to a press release from Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias, each prison library will receive $15,000 to purchase books, magazines, newspapers and library supplies. 

Giannoulias said the program will help inmates break the cycle of recidivism, or reincarceration. 

“Access to books, educational materials and informative technology offers individuals the opportunity to empower themselves by acquiring new skills and broadening their horizons,” Giannoulias said. 

Illinois Department of Corrections acting Director Latoya Hughes said the department of corrections looks forward to updating library collections, restoring and maintaining books, and increasing circulation of books in corrections facilities. 

“This much-needed funding will allow library staff to improve service to our population and promote access to information and resources that support literacy and education, resulting in more successful community reentry,” said Hughes. 

State prison libraries have received reduced funding over the last 20 years, according to a report from NPR Illinois. 

The NPR investigation found funding went from as high as $750,000 in the early 2000s to there being no funds appropriated for the correctional libraries in 2017.