Prison libraries in Catalonia (2020-2022)

Abstract

This article presents an overview of prison libraries in Catalonia between 2020 and 2022. As the first article to be published in the yearbook, it presents an outline of the general functioning of penitentiary centres and the ways in which it affects the organization of libraries, and also of the historical and legislative context that helps to explain how we have arrived at the current situation. Specifically, the COVID-19 pandemic represents a turning point, with a qualitative leap in library management. The article details the key features of the current situation and the actions taken during the period, and mentions the key articles published on prison libraries. Finally, it outlines the direction that prisoners’ library services should take in order to meet current needs.