I thought this might be of interest to this group of book lovers: [https://www.themarshallproject.org/2023/10/18/prison-drugs-overdoses-book-banning](https://www.themarshallproject.org/2023/10/18/prison-drugs-overdoses-book-banning)
In my experience talking with people in prison, books can be essential to their survival. They provide a distraction from bad conditions and a path to self-improvement.
I was familiar with the idea of prisons banning books that contained material they didn’t like– but as I reported this story, I was surprised to learn about increased restrictions on books OVERALL (because of drug smuggling worries).
I think these kinds of restrictions get far less attention than overt bans– but they can still have a huge impact. Very curious to hear people’s thoughts.
I keep thinking about this quote, from someone who said books might actually be a way to FIGHT against overdoses:
Books foster a “sense that there is life that continues, that there is a curious and interesting and welcoming place for them to return to after their release.”
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by ShannonHeffernan