How difficult is it to read in prison? It varies by each Massachusetts facility, advocates say.

Incarcerated individuals often lack access to educational resources, and consistent barriers set by different facilities can limit book donations, hindering their rehabilitative opportunities.

Brotzman emphasized the disconnect: ‘the carceral system makes books very difficult to acquire,’ showcasing the importance of books in challenging prison conditions.

According to Brotzman, 'it's a mental escape,' for prisoners, offering them not just distraction but a pathway to vocational skills and better prospects after release.

Brotzman noted that inmates request various vocational texts and literature, 'not because they want to mess with their facility, but because they're very clear-eyed about their prospects.'

Read at Boston.com