In 1953, Joe became a librarian in Multnomah County. Joe was in charge of bookmobiles and jails. As a supervisor, he realized that he missed working with his inmate patrons, so he returned to serving the jails, along with his bookmobile hours. He helps prisoners find books and freedom, if only for a moment. He receives letters from ex-prisoners who write that books helped them stay sane.
Books are one of the few things prisoners can enjoy.
Imagine life in a cell without a book. Joe ensures that prisoners get the books they want. Soul on Ice by Eldridge Cleaver is often requested. Joe collects book requests, finds and delivers the books, and brings magazines and other books to stock the jail libraries. Hardback books are not allowed because drugs or weapons could be hidden inside spines.