Escapism behind bars ranges from origami to dragons
Fire-breathing dragons and vampire escapades are proving novel experiences for keen readers in the nation’s prisons.
Book clubs have appeared in several of the country’s 18 prisons thanks to the dedication of prison librarians and tutors.
Around 70 per cent of inmates lack basic literacy or numeracy skills when they enter prison, but some are now devouring up to 12 books a week.
Not all the content is grim – origami, yoga and history are also popular.
Deb Griffiths, Whanganui Prison’s acting assistant prison director, said reading helped to keep inmates connected.
‘‘We have a very captive audience in our prisoners – reading and access to books are what keeps our prisoners engaged.
‘‘Prisoners’ reading tastes are much like yours or mine, the difference being they do not have access to the internet, Kindles or computers, so the printed word is all that is available to them,’’ Griffiths said.
Inmates who might benefit from literacy support are identified.
‘‘We have had lots of prisoners who come to prison unable to read and are now devouring every book we have,’’ Griffiths said.
Several book clubs operate in Whanganui and Manawatu prisons, and inmates meet once a week to analyse the details of the group’s latest novel.
‘‘Many lively discussions are had, and it is a way for the prisoners to engage in a positive matter. Several of the groups are tackling some difficult literary texts and just love coming to book club,’’ she said.
Judith Wenborn and Susan Smith, librarians at Christchurch Men’s Prison, are preparing for the institution’s first book club this coming week. They also run the library service at Christchurch Women’s and Rolleston prisons.
‘‘There’s some suggestion that reading fiction helps with empathy. That’s really important, especially in this environment,’’ Smith said.
The Harry Potter series and books about the paranormal are popular with the 130 prisoners from Christchurch Men’s Prison who visit the library each week.
‘‘The prisoners themselves are actually the best advocates for the library service that we have. They tell each other which book is worth reading,’’ she said.
Department of Corrections data, released under the Official Information Act, reveals a men’s health magazine, Lee Child’s Jack Reacher and Marvel comics were the mostborrowed material in jail in the past year.
At Arohata women’s prison in Wellington, mystery and fantasy novels are among the most popular genres. Charlaine Harris’ True Blood series, A Game of Thrones and Martina Cole crime novels are near the top of the borrowing list, while fitness, Te Reo Maori and self-help titles are also popular.
Corrections’ national commissioner Jeremy Lightfoot said the library service helped in the efforts to rehabilitate prisoners.
‘‘Staff also assist prisoners with using the prison library services so that, on release from prison, they will begin to see community-based library services as a hub of information and resources,’’ he said.
Prison libraries are devoid of pornography, anything overtly violent, objectionable or related to the occult, gang-related topics or any other material staff believe could interfere with security.