On June 20, Santa Cruz County Probation, the Santa Cruz County Office of Education and Santa Cruz Public Libraries opened a library at Juvenile Hall with the goal to provide opportunity and inspiration to youths in the justice system.
The design was based in part on input from youth, and included financial support from the County, County Office of Education, Santa Cruz Public Libraries, and Friends of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries, while the counseling spaces were supported by state grants.
Chief Probation Officer Fernando Giraldo applauded the collaboration that led to the library.
“The space offers relevant and engaging reading materials curated with guidance from the youth it serves, as well as programming that allows youth to connect with one another in creative ways,” he said.
Jesse Silva, Jail Reach & bookmobile coordinator for Santa Cruz Public Libraries said, “The Santa Cruz Public Library’s Jail Reach team collaborated with the youth inside to build a collection that is relevant and diverse, and we look forward to offering library programs to support literacy and foster a love of reading. We’re especially grateful to the Friends of SCPL and their fundraising project Boundless Minds.”
Santa Cruz County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Faris Sabbah said, “This project reflects our commitment to providing engaging and supportive learning environments for all students.”
He added, “At every step, the library was built with the active involvement of the students it serves – offering not only reading material but a space for creativity, connection, and wellness.”
