Libraries Bring Free e-Resources to Incarcerated Patrons
eLearning
Webinar
In 2022, San Francisco Public Library (SFPL) partnered with hoopla Digital to bring electronic books and media to people in San Francisco's county jails. Incarcerated patrons can now use free tablets to borrow free e-books, audiobooks, music, movies, and TV shows. This removes financial barriers, standing in stark contrast to the expensive tablets available to incarcerated people elsewhere. Free tablets with free content allow incarcerated patrons to access public library e-resources just as patrons do on the outside. This partnership between the public library, the sheriff's office, grassroots community groups, and hoopla is the foundation for a national model for bringing e-resources into jails and prisons. During this webinar, staff from SFPL and hoopla Digital will share models for initiating partnerships with local jails and prisons that can lead to digital library access in the future.