Liberation Library is a volunteer group based in Chicago that provides books to youth in prison to encourage imagination, self-determination and connection to the outside worlds of their choosing. We believe access to books is a right, not a privilege.
Founded in 2015, LL has established relationships with every youth prison in Illinois; started libraries at detention facilities; sent thousands of books (specifically requested by their recipients), letters and cards to youth; and opened our own space.
You can hear more about our journey in the interview I did with WBEZ and read about our work in Teen Vogue. Whether you’re in Chicago or not, LL is an amazing model of volunteer-driven action that proves you don’t have to be a radical to do rad things.