Carrie Proudfit
(407) 448-8316 or Carrie.Proudfit@ocfl.com

Orange County Jail Reaches Out to Community to Grow Library Program

Orlando, FL – The Orange County Corrections Department (OCCD) houses an average of 2,700 inmates on any given day. In addition to a focus on safety and security, OCCD offers more than 25 programs to inmates aimed to support a successful transition back to the community upon release. One such successful program has been Library Services, which supports the security operations of the jail, as well as provides an educational benefit to inmates.

The library launched in 2013 with a moderate collection of donated books in English and Spanish, among other languages. Book donations come from local libraries and private entities. Currently, the library’s supply of authorized reading material is in need of replenishment, especially books written in Spanish. The low supply of books has prompted Orange County Corrections to reach out to the community for donations, especially for books written in Spanish, audiobooks and those written in braille for persons with visual impairments.

“Reading is something that we certainly encourage here at the jail,” said Deputy Chief Paulette Julien. “It’s a positive way to occupy an individual’s time.”

Officers find that the library system serves as a means to encourage good behavior. Access to approved leisure reading materials while incarcerated is considered a privilege. The jail prohibits content that includes violence, gang activity or is sexual in nature. Mysteries, educational, how-to and self-help books are among the most requested.

If you would like to donate books, you may drop them off at the first floor of the Orange County Government Administration Center located at 3723 Vision Blvd. Orlando, Florida. For more information, please call or email the public information office at 407-836-3312 or OCCDPIO@ocfl.net.

Note: Books that do not meet the criteria will be donated to another organization.

About Orange County Government: Orange County Government strives to serve its residents and guests with integrity, honesty, fairness and professionalism. Located in Central Florida, Orange County includes 13 municipalities and is home to world-famous theme parks, one of the nation’s largest convention centers and a thriving life science research park. Seven elected members make up the Board of County Commissioners, including the Mayor, who is elected countywide. For more information, please visit www.OCFL.net or go to Orange County Government’s social media channels.

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