In September 2016 the newly formed Canadian Federation of Library Associations (CFLA-FCAB), the national voice of Canada’s library community, unanimously adopted and endorsed the “Prison Libraries Network: Right to Read” position statement. This Right to Read statement clearly asserts the value of libraries and access to information resources in correctional institutions, echoing recommendations set out in the most recent report of the Office of the Correctional Investigator. In the report, the Office recommends that Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) “update and renew inmate libraries so that they are compliant with policy and comparable to the services, materials, and technologies available in the communities.”

Please consider promoting this statement amongst your association membership and out to the community through your social media to help raise the profile of this issue. We appreciate your support.