Freedom Libraries: The Million Book Project

Dwayne Betts’ story is one of tribulation and triumph. At 16, he was tried as an adult and spent eight years in prison. He discovered a love for literature while incarcerated and decided to become a writer.

Since his release in 2005, Betts has published three books of poetry and one memoir and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in law. Most recently, Betts and acclaimed poet and essayist Elizabeth Alexander announced The Million Book Project—an initiative that will establish 1000 "Freedom Libraries" in prisons across the U.S. Listen in to hear a moving testament on the power of literature and reading to change lives forever.

To learn more:

• With Books and New Focus, Mellon Foundation to Foster Social Equity
• Freedom to Read: "Million Book Project" Brings Literature to 1,000 US Prisons
• Yale Law School's Justice Collaboratory

Visit us online at The Aspen Institute Criminal Justice Reform Initiative and follow us on Twitter @AspenCJRI.

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