Northland Region Corrections Facility Library
Northland Region Corrections Facility (NRCF) is about half an hour’s drive from the idyllic Bay of Islands. Based in the rural Kaikohe district, it is close to the Ngawha Geothermal Field and approximately five km from the township. It was one of four new prisons opened between 2005 and 2007, which differed from traditional prison design. Surrounded by a secure perimeter fence, the landscaped prison grounds have various single-level buildings for accommodation and services.
NRCF opened in 2005, with Kaikohe Library contracted to set up and run the prison library. The library was later run by volunteers and overseen by the librarian from Auckland prison, who visited regularly. Sherril McNabb began her employment at NRCF in 2013 when they employed a qualified librarian. She tells us about this prison library here.
NRCF opened in 2005, with Kaikohe Library contracted to set up and run the prison library. The library was later run by volunteers and overseen by the librarian from Auckland prison, who visited regularly. Sherril McNabb began her employment at NRCF in 2013 when they employed a qualified librarian. She tells us about this prison library here.
The unique features of this prison library
The two unique features of this library are:
1. This is a library for men.
2. Security is paramount
I wear a personal alarm (under duress), and as most doors and all gates are locked, I carry a set of keys and a swipe. Custodial officers accompany the men on their library visits. Sniffer dogs come through regularly, checking for drugs.
The purpose of all prison libraries is to meet the educational, rehabilitation and recreational needs of people in prison, providing them with a constructive and enjoyable way to spend their time. NRCF library operates much like a public library, and the men soon become comfortable with how libraries work. On discovering that libraries are full of information and that they can read for pleasure and learning, many plan to visit one on their release.
How this library operates
I manage all aspects of this sole-charge library. Over time, I have learned what types of books and authors the men enjoy. I encourage and respond to their suggestions for books within Corrections’ guidelines. In common with most prison libraries worldwide, funding is minimal, and we rely mostly on donations, making it a challenge to build a robust collection and maintain a complete book series. I offer guidelines to our donors to ensure that we get suitable books. Our collection has grown from the original 1,500 to 7,000 items and counting.
What people in prisons are reading
People in prison have the same reading interests as those outside. Our men prefer books written by male authors. The most popular authors here include David Gemmell, Raymond Feist, Lee Child, James Patterson, Conn Iggulden, Terry Brooks and Bernard Cornwell. Only a few female authors make the cut – Martina Cole, Hilary Mantel, Nalini Singh and fantasy authors such as Robin Hobb and Sara Douglas. The most popular genres in our library are thrillers, adventure, westerns, and suspense. Among the most popular non-fiction books are self-help, personal finance, business, biographies of entertainers, travel, and chess. The most popular magazines are National Geographic, Boating, Fishing, Car and Motorbike magazines.
The value of prison libraries
Many of our borrowers become prolific readers, and a few have confessed, “I didn’t read until I came to prison”. Others have said, “I don’t know what I would do if we didn’t have a library.” Other comments include: “This is like a candy store!” “I could stay here all day!” “What a great selection of books”. The units have designated days to visit the library. The men come in groups of ten. They see visiting the library as a social occasion - a place where they can relax, choose reading material or puzzles, or just sit and chat. Those with limited literacy can borrow magazines and jigsaws and choose a variety of puzzles and colouring in pictures. There is help from the teaching staff to teach these men to read, plus an ESOL programme for non-English speakers. The remand units do not usually come to the library. I supply their programme rooms with donated books, which I regularly refresh. The men can also request material from the library.
Accessit LMS a welcome addition
The most exciting change that has taken place in all New Zealand Prison libraries was the installation of the Accessit LMS just over a year ago. It has moved us into the 21st century, simplified our library processes, and enhanced our public library aura. The NRCF Library relies on book donations to keep its stock current. If you are in the Te Tai Tokerau area and have any books you’d like to donate, please contact Sherril at Sherril.Mcnabb@corrections. govt.nz.
Sherril McNabb is the librarian at the Northland Region Corrections Facility. She has a Library Certificate of Australia and a BA (Hist) from Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington. Sherril’s previous library roles were at DSIR, Geelong Hospital, Mt Isa Mines Technical Library, and Wellington High School.
The two unique features of this library are:
1. This is a library for men.
2. Security is paramount
I wear a personal alarm (under duress), and as most doors and all gates are locked, I carry a set of keys and a swipe. Custodial officers accompany the men on their library visits. Sniffer dogs come through regularly, checking for drugs.
The purpose of all prison libraries is to meet the educational, rehabilitation and recreational needs of people in prison, providing them with a constructive and enjoyable way to spend their time. NRCF library operates much like a public library, and the men soon become comfortable with how libraries work. On discovering that libraries are full of information and that they can read for pleasure and learning, many plan to visit one on their release.
How this library operates
I manage all aspects of this sole-charge library. Over time, I have learned what types of books and authors the men enjoy. I encourage and respond to their suggestions for books within Corrections’ guidelines. In common with most prison libraries worldwide, funding is minimal, and we rely mostly on donations, making it a challenge to build a robust collection and maintain a complete book series. I offer guidelines to our donors to ensure that we get suitable books. Our collection has grown from the original 1,500 to 7,000 items and counting.
What people in prisons are reading
People in prison have the same reading interests as those outside. Our men prefer books written by male authors. The most popular authors here include David Gemmell, Raymond Feist, Lee Child, James Patterson, Conn Iggulden, Terry Brooks and Bernard Cornwell. Only a few female authors make the cut – Martina Cole, Hilary Mantel, Nalini Singh and fantasy authors such as Robin Hobb and Sara Douglas. The most popular genres in our library are thrillers, adventure, westerns, and suspense. Among the most popular non-fiction books are self-help, personal finance, business, biographies of entertainers, travel, and chess. The most popular magazines are National Geographic, Boating, Fishing, Car and Motorbike magazines.
The value of prison libraries
Many of our borrowers become prolific readers, and a few have confessed, “I didn’t read until I came to prison”. Others have said, “I don’t know what I would do if we didn’t have a library.” Other comments include: “This is like a candy store!” “I could stay here all day!” “What a great selection of books”. The units have designated days to visit the library. The men come in groups of ten. They see visiting the library as a social occasion - a place where they can relax, choose reading material or puzzles, or just sit and chat. Those with limited literacy can borrow magazines and jigsaws and choose a variety of puzzles and colouring in pictures. There is help from the teaching staff to teach these men to read, plus an ESOL programme for non-English speakers. The remand units do not usually come to the library. I supply their programme rooms with donated books, which I regularly refresh. The men can also request material from the library.
Accessit LMS a welcome addition
The most exciting change that has taken place in all New Zealand Prison libraries was the installation of the Accessit LMS just over a year ago. It has moved us into the 21st century, simplified our library processes, and enhanced our public library aura. The NRCF Library relies on book donations to keep its stock current. If you are in the Te Tai Tokerau area and have any books you’d like to donate, please contact Sherril at Sherril.Mcnabb@corrections. govt.nz.
Sherril McNabb is the librarian at the Northland Region Corrections Facility. She has a Library Certificate of Australia and a BA (Hist) from Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington. Sherril’s previous library roles were at DSIR, Geelong Hospital, Mt Isa Mines Technical Library, and Wellington High School.
