Volunteer pop-up library axed from Manitoba Youth Centre

Manitoba Corrections has terminated a volunteer pop-up library program at the Manitoba Youth Centre, depriving inmates of librarian services and limiting their access to certain books. The Prison Libraries Committee, a part of the Manitoba Library Association, initiated and funded the volunteer program since 2024. The committee previously collaborated with the province as the facility lacked its own library.

Ashley Huot, chair of the Prison Libraries Committee, expressed concern over the cancellation, stating that it deprives incarcerated individuals, particularly youth, of valuable programming, information access, and rehabilitation efforts provided at no cost to Manitoba Corrections. They urged Manitoba Justice to prioritize more library services and programming rather than reducing them.

The program charged a $205.00 annual fee, which automatically renewed at $233.00 + GST every 52 weeks (10% off the regular annual price of $259.35). The non-profit organization previously partnered with the province to provide the service, as the facility had no dedicated library. Volunteers would help inmates find books of interest, conduct research for school assignments, and serve as a safe space.

However, the group can no longer enter the facility to assist inmates with book requests or research help. Manitoba Corrections did not provide reasons for the cancellation, while a provincial spokesperson claimed the facility has access to "more robust and fleshed out supports." Justice Minister Matt Wiebe was unavailable for comment.

The cancellation contradicts Manitoba’s 2024 public safety strategy, which aimed to enhance literacy in corrections through expanded library and education programs. Manitoba’s auditor general had previously recommended improved, targeted programming to aid inmate reintegration, noting limited group programming, education, and work opportunities for incarcerated individuals in the March 2025 report by Tyson Shtykalo.

Additionally, Manitoba’s advocate for children and youth called for the province to reverse the decision, highlighting the importance of the program for children who often lack library resources in their communities.