The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department and the County library joined to create the Library Card Program, which has issued more than 120 library cards this year to people returning to their communities.
The program began in October 2021 as a pilot program for women at the Las Colinas Detention and Reentry Facility to help with the reentry process and build brighter futures. According to the county, the program aims to help people improve their lives by accessing all County Library programs and to create “lifelong learners”.
Those who are in the program may begin the path to earning a free high school diploma through the Library High School. The program also grants access to “tech connect” chrome laptops, Wi-Fi hit spots, and a year of internet service to help with job searches, education, and training.
According to the county, there are posters promoting the library card program placed in detention facilities. People can complete the application process through their counselors.
A packet containing a card, and an ID package with a list of services and library branch locations, are given to the applicant upon release.
For more information about the Sheriff’s Department Reentry Services, visit the division’s webpage.
