Libraries are provided in many prisons. Reading materials are provided in almost all federal and state correctional facilities in the United States. Libraries in federal prisons are controlled by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, U.S. Department of Justice. State prison libraries are controlled by each state's own department of corrections. Many local jails also provide library services through partnerships with local public libraries and community organizations. These resources may be limited, mostly provided through government sources. Role Prison libraries serve both prisoners and the public by helping to educate prisoners, reduce recidivism, and improve family bonds through reading. Research shows a correlation between education and reduced recidivism, and libraries play an important role in supporting education. In fact, in some states, prisoners are sentenced to a literature discussion group in lieu of prison time. One such program, Changing Lives Through Literature (CLTL), has been operating since 1991. The first CLTL group in Massachusetts had a 19 percent recidivism rate as compared to 42 percent in a control group. Education allows inmates to obtain the skills they need to transition back into society once they are released and libraries can play in an important role in helping inmates learn these skills. Some programs prison libraries offer include, GED instruction, literacy classes, life skills classes, typing instruction, and classes on how to use a library. Bookmobile Outreach Services, 10(2), p. 43–61. In addition to educational opportunities, prison libraries help prisoners have positive and meaningful contact with family. For example, the Jessup Correctional Institute in Maryland started a program that provided books for prisoners to read to their children or grandchildren on visiting days. Other prison libraries have programs in which prisoners are recorded reading stories, and the tapes and books, along with a coloring book and crayons, are sent to their child. Some inmates try to read the same materials their children are reading, so they have something to talk about with them. Prison libraries provide a space for inmates to meet with others with common interests. Though funding is limited, some prison librarians are diligent in providing programming. Such programs include, book clubs and community service projects. Many inmates utilize the library as a means of escape from the reality of their current situations. One of the many services provided by a prison librarian is to have conversation with the inmates regarding the reasons they are in their current situation, After