Book banning and censorship have taken center stage as lightning rod issues in communities nationwide, with much attention focused on schools and public libraries. However, prisons actually represent the largest source of book censorship in the country. To shed light on this issue, we partnered with PEN America to amplify the experiences of those who are too often silenced with a series of personal essays by three, award-winning incarcerated writers.

In solitary confinement, banned books are a lifeline

Like it or not, I’m a role model for my fellow inmates. I won’t apologize for valuing a good book.

by Kwaneta Harris

Ban the bans: A better way to rid racism in prison

A book ban in prison isn’t like the bans in schools; the censorship in prisons is complete. Bans only further ostracize incarcerated people from society.

by Tomas Keen and The Emancipator

I’m a prisoner fighting book censorship. Here’s why our access to books matters.

I have filed several complaints against censorship in prison. These days, many prisoners don’t even try to buy books in fear of them being taken away.

by Daniel Pirkel and The Emancipator