MILPITAS, CA – The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office Restorative Services Division, in partnership with the Santa Clara County Library District (SCCLD), are thrilled to announce the grand opening of a new, expansive library at the Elmwood Correctional Campus in Milpitas.
This new initiative aims to inspire and inform incarcerated women, offering them valuable resources to pave the way for personal growth, skill development, and successful reentry into society.
The celebratory grand opening of the Elmwood Women’s Library will take place on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. This event will bring together representatives from the Sheriff’s Office, the Santa Clara County Library District, Santa Clara County officials, and incarcerated women, who will share their insights on the importance of this new initiative and its potential to transform lives. Providing educational opportunities is an operational priority for the Sheriff’s Office.
“By supporting the development of self-worth, responsibility, and new skills, library services empower incarcerated individuals to break the cycle of crime and incarceration,” said Holly Child, Director of Restorative Services. “The skills and knowledge gained from engaging with library services directly contribute to reducing recidivism, ultimately helping to create safer communities.”
The Elmwood Women’s Library collection was developed based on direct input from the incarcerated women, but the library provides more than just access to books. It serves as a vital resource for education, personal development, and rehabilitation. In addition to offering open hours for incarcerated women to visit the library, a book delivery service within the Elmwood facility ensures that they have continuous access to educational materials, vocational training, and mental health resources. The library also provides a safe space where women can explore personal interests, practice mindfulness, and engage with rehabilitative reading that addresses emotional and psychological challenges.
“As part of our vision to work to create a world in which access to knowledge, resources and opportunities is guaranteed to all, SCCLD is dedicated to providing curated library materials, professional library staff, and educational opportunities through programming to the women at the Elmwood Correctional Campus” said Jennifer Weeks, County Librarian.
Library services in jails play a critical role in reducing recidivism and improving reentry outcomes by providing resources that enable personal transformation. This initiative demonstrates the Sheriff’s Office and County Library District’s commitment to helping incarcerated women regain autonomy, prepare for successful reintegration, and create a path toward a brighter future.
Santa Clara County Office of the Sheriff
Brooks Jarosz
Senior Communications Officer
Brooks.Jarosz@shf.sccgov.org
408-808-4916
Santa Clara County Library District
Diane Roche, Director of Communications
Mariana Walker, Communications Officer
droche@sccl.org / mwalker@sccl.org
408-293-2326
