The Institutional Libraries Program at the South Carolina State Library supports libraries in institutions such as prisons, psychiatric hospitals, and other facilities with long-term residents who cannot access public libraries.
The program is mandated by state law. Its goal is to create a learning pathway through access to high-quality library materials and services tailored to each population’s needs. Access to a library in an institutional setting has a profound impact. It provides a space for community, creativity, curiosity, relaxation, and growth.
What Institutions do we Serve?
The Institutional Libraries Program serves state government facilities with residents who have limited access to public libraries. Our state partners include:
- South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities
- South Carolina Department of Corrections
- South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice
The program also offers support to federal and local institutions, as well as public libraries, to help individuals impacted by incarceration.
Services
- Consultation
We provide personalized guidance to institutional library staff. - Training
We offer customized library training sessions to institutional library staff based on their specific needs. - Book Donations
The South Carolina State Library supplies library materials to institutional libraries. These library materials are customized to meet the needs of each facility’s residents. We do not accept library materials from the general public. - Professional Development
We facilitate opportunities to connect and collaborate for institutional library staff to share best practices and build connections statewide.
Resources
The Institutional Libraries Guide contains best practices and resources to support library services to individuals who are incarcerated, committed to a residential facility, or otherwise involved in the criminal justice system.
Email List and Contact
South Carolina Institutional Library Services Email List
Contact the Facilities and Access Consultant for more information on how we can assist you.
