A History of Outreach in Queens
Queens Public Library has provided outreach services to the criminal justice system for over 100 years, beginning in 1915 with the prison traveling library station (pictured below). In 2005, we received an Exceptional Service Award from the American Library Association honoring our correctional outreach. With the expansion of Jail, Prison, Reentry, and Youth Justice Outreach in 2016, we now have a dedicated team that focuses on this essential work.
Contact the team to learn more about our programs and services.
Email to:reentry@queenslibrary.org
ID Assist
A program for people impacted by the justice system who need help getting a state ID. We help you get an ID. This program is partially funded by Khaleel Anderson, state Assembly Member for the 31st District. For more information and to fill out an application, visit this webpage:https://www.queenslibrary.org/programs-activities/community-outreach/frmoutreach
Ravenswood Community Learning Center with Reentry Hub
The Ravenswood Community Learning Center offers educational and enrichment programs that focus on workforce development, technology training, and reentry services. Monday through Wednesday we have staff with reentry expertise who can answer your questions about how we can help with your decarceration journey. For more information, visit this webpage:https://www.queenslibrary.org/about-us/locations/ravenswood
See You on the Outside
Cleverly named by the program’s first participants at Queensboro Correctional Facility, "See You on the Outside" equips individuals preparing for reentry with a professional resume. Participants also receive a list of resources that are tailored to their previous work experience and skill sets and are encouraged to continue visiting with the Queens Public Library for personal assistance as they embark on their reentry goals.
Youth Justice Collective
We work with teens and youth to gain legal skills and leadership experience. The Youth Justice Collective program operates at these libraries: Cambria Heights, Central, Far Rockaway Library for Teens, Flushing, and Long Island City. For more information and to sign up, visit this webpage:https://www.queenslibrary.org/programs-activities/teens/other-programs/youth-justice-collective.
Youth Facilities
We provide library services to youth who are incarcerated at two facilities. We provide an in-person rolling cart library service, along with periodic programming. If you would like to donate books to this initiative, please see the Jail and Prison Services Book Donations webpage.
Reentry Resource Guide
The Queens Public Library Reentry Resource Guide serves as a manual for patrons seeking help with their transition from a correctional facility. The guide highlights information about library services, as well as outside organizations that help with legal matters, health-related matters, continuing education, housing, and much more. See our guide.
Queens County Reentry Taskforce
Queens Public Library is an official member of the Queens County Reentry Task Force. The goal of the taskforce is to reduce recidivism by coordinating and strengthening community support in response to individuals transitioning from incarceration back into the community. More information.
Library Service at Rikers Island
We provide library services and programs to patrons who are incarcerated at two Rikers Island Facilities. We provide an in-person rolling cart library service, along with virtual and by-mail reference services. If you would like to donate books to this initiative, please see the Jail and Prison Services Book Donations webpage.
NYC Probation and NYS Community Supervision (Parole)
The Jail, Prison, Reentry, and Youth Justice Outreach Team extends library services to both the Queens Division of Parole and the Department of Probation during orientation sessions held at each respective organization’s location. Individuals in attendance can obtain a library card, referrals to trainings, and information on upcoming workshops and programs offered at the library. We also work with the Department of Probation's youth Neighborhood Opportunity Network (NeON) to provide digital certificates, technology training, and podcast experience.
