Write to Read: Youth Literacy at Juvenile Hall
Alameda County Library

The librarians at the Alameda County Library believe that exposure to books and their authors can transform the lives of troubled teens. Through the Write to Read program—a partnership among the Alameda County Library, the Department of Probation, and the Office of Education—the librarians annually introduce 4,000 incarcerated youth to books, library services, and contemporary authors.

Since its founding in 1999, the Write to Read program has garnered numerous awards for its ability to motivate and inspire young people housed in the Alameda County Juvenile Hall. Each week, the program’s librarians interact with the juvenile offenders for 2 hours.
Next, participants read a featured book prior to the author’s scheduled visit to the facility. Their classroom teachers follow up by leading thoughtful discussions and preparing questions for the author.  Participants have the opportunity to meet at least 3 writers every month; the average program participant interacts with 15–20 during their stay.

The Write to Read program adheres to a basic principle: expose young adults to a wide array of writers and literature, and some of the authors’ positive messages will resonate with them. The criterion for selecting the visiting authors is their ability to inspire youth, either through their writings or their life experiences. Terry McMillan, Jimmy Santiago Baca, Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, Ron Glodoski, and devorah major have all influenced participants with their stories of pain, perseverance, struggle, and empowerment.

The impact of Write to Read is apparent from student and teacher testimonials. Shared one participant, “By reading books in the Hall, I have opened up a place in my mind I never knew existed.” A teacher observed, “The prolific amount of reading that these students do is astounding; they are always with a book in hand.”