Potential cuts to prison libraries concerning advocates

Cuts to prison libraries could be coming as part of the federal government’s budget reductions. Jeff Keele explains.

Canadian prisons could be losing their library technicians, and critics say the move could have far-reaching consequences.

The possibility is not sitting well with Karen Monkman, a former teacher at Stony Mountain Institution.

“I think it’s very disgusting, you know that they would take away something on the intervention side,” said Monkman.

Monkman taught at the institution for a decade and says the prison library served as a sanctuary for inmates.

“I saw the toughest men turn into the most loving dad just opening that book,” said Monkman.

She says the library also hosted programs where inmates could record themselves reading children’s books, allowing their voices to be shared with their kids on the outside. According to Monkman, library technicians played a key role in helping inmates access and navigate those programs.

“The men you know really gravitated to that and appreciated the forum that she set fourth,” said Monkman.

As part of budget-cutting measures by the Carney government aimed at reining in the federal deficit, Correctional Service Canada must find $132 million in savings by the 2028–29 fiscal year. More than 400 department jobs are set to be eliminated.

The Canadian Association of Professional Employees says up to 18 library technician positions could be impacted. In a statement, President Nathan Prier said the salaries for those roles amount to less than one per cent of the department’s budget.

“The consequences will be felt by all Canadians and could end up costing society far more in the long run,” said Prier.

In a statement, Correctional Service Canada said plans are still being finalized. The agency added that, as part of efforts to increase online resources, inmates now have better access to information.

“As a result of this, many sites across the country have already been operating with a modern library model and without a dedicated librarian on site. Libraries are fully open and accessible to offenders and will continue to be so in the years to follow,” said the statement.

However, John Samson Fellows, a literacy instructor with the John Howard Society of Manitoba, says the potential cuts are concerning and short-sighted. He notes that library staff also assist inmates with job searches and help connect them with community resources to support reintegration.

“To cut libraries is kind of especially cruel in that it’s one of the few places where incarcerated people can learn,” said Fellows.