For those being held in the Harvey County Detention Center, recreational outlets are limited. Inmates are allowed minimal time to play games, watch TV and exercise — so reading has become a big hobby for those being detained.
“They always want books. This is their big activity,” said Ray Nicodemus, detention center director of support services. “That library is a big boon to the inmates.”
Nicodemus noted inmates routinely look forward to their time in the library on Saturdays, so they can pick out what they’re going to read next. Limited to carrying paperback books, Nicodemus said wear and tear becomes an issue with the selection offered to inmates. To help, the Harvey County Sheriff’s Office recently launched a book drive to assist in restocking the library at the detention center.
(Read more: Newton Kansan)