The North Carolina Department of Correction established libraries more than 30 years ago, recognizing that reading is a valuable educational and recreational activity. In attempting to meet the rehabilitative needs of the offender, it has become increasingly clear that if we are to effect any real change in the behavior of the offender, we must begin by giving the inmate the opportunity to change his or her attitude toward society and toward him or herself.
Incarceration can provide a chance for self-examination and decision making.
The Department has made library services accessible to all incarcerated offenders regardless of sentence, security designation, or placement in the institution. Library carts are circulated for most inmates unable to use the regular facilities at their institutions or centers. This arrangement may be necessitated by security requirements or medical conditions, such as at McCain Correctional Hospital and Central Prison, respectively. It is the responsibility of the Division of Prisons Librarian Consultant to coordinate the implementation and the maintenance of all institution and correctional center libraries across the state. Each of the eleven institution libraries serves the needs of the large educational and recreational programs at these facilities.