Arapahoe Libraries is proud to provide library services to the Arapahoe County Detention Facility (ACDF), ensuring that all community members, including those who are incarcerated, have access to books, information, and opportunities for learning.
Access to Reading and Learning
Our jail library offers a wide range of materials, including fiction, nonfiction, Spanish-language titles, urban fiction, and more.
A core service is our book cart program, where staff bring mobile library collections directly into housing units. Inmates can request specific titles, place holds, and exchange materials on a regular schedule. Each participant is able to borrow multiple books at a time, encouraging ongoing reading and discovery. For many, book cart visits are a highlight of their week, offering both learning and a sense of connection.
Legal Resources and Law Library
Another vital service is the law library, which provides inmates with access to legal books, statutes, and case law. Requests are submitted through the jail’s kiosk system, and library staff ensure that materials are made available in compliance with legal requirements. Using resources such as LexisNexis, inmates can obtain case law and statutes at a low per-page printing cost.
While library staff cannot provide legal advice, they help inmates navigate requests for legal texts, forms, and copies of case-related documents. This access is essential for supporting due process and ensuring inmates can engage meaningfully in their legal matters.
Educational and Reentry Support
Beyond books, the library supports inmates’ personal growth and preparation for reentry into the community. Resource packets, reentry guides, and information about community services are available to help individuals prepare for life after incarceration.
Collaboration and Community Impact
Our partnership with the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office ensures consistent access to library services within the jail. By providing books, legal resources, and learning opportunities, the jail library supports literacy, personal development, and access to information for more than 900 individuals currently housed at ACDF.
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