ADA – East Central University’s Linscheid Library is fulfilling its goal of serving populations that otherwise may be overlooked, most recently the Davis Correctional Facility.
Linscheid Library recently donated 216 books to the library at the Holdenville-based facility. The books were collected through a “Beyond the Bars” book drive supplied by donations from ECU employees and students.
“I think that too often we take for granted the simple pleasure of reading or having immediate access to reading materials,” said Joseph Loyless, librarian at the Davis Correctional Facility and an ECU graduate. “For an incarcerated population, however, this fundamental right takes on a significance that cannot be overstated. This effort will go a long way toward affecting positive change and happiness in the lives of these typically underserved and overlooked individuals.”
Linscheid Library staff member Kelley Gutierrez managed the book drive and worked with the facility to create a list of recommended titles and subjects to collect. Many of the donated books satisfied the list, including books on prison life, job searching, and learning new skills.
“This project is part of our overall strategic plan to reach underserved populations and to fulfill our vision to be a place where every person feels equally empowered to pursue their dreams,” said Public Services Librarian Marla Lobley.
Cutline: Joseph Loyless, librarian at the Davis Correctional Facility in Holdenville, accepts book donations from Kelley Gutierrez of ECU’s Linscheid Library. (Jaylea Harpole/ECU)
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