Washington State’s Decision to Ban Book Donations to Prisons Misguided and Harmful
"Literature offers a way for people in prison to expand their minds, to retain a sense of connection to the outside community, to pass the time, and to continue… More
Announcing the Inaugural PEN America Writing for Justice Fellows
“With the consequences of mass incarceration growing in America’s cultural consciousness, we’re proud that our Fellows are further expanding the public discourse.” More
PEN/Edward Bunker Prize in Fiction to Celebrate Literary Excellence by Writers in Prison
PEN America announced the launch of the PEN/Edward Bunker Prize in Fiction today. Honoring the legacy of the famed crime fiction author and screenwriter, the PEN/Bunker Prize will celebrate short works… More
Maryland’s New Prison Policy on Access to Literature a Step in the Wrong Direction
"As a result of this policy, thousands of people in prison now have their access to reading and educational materials primarily dictated by the offerings of just two companies.… More
Restrictive Policy in Various Federal Prisons Represents a Misguided and Destructive Disregard for the Right to Read
“Forcing incarcerated people to pay potentially exorbitant prices for books they could receive for free from friends, family, or charities, the policy makes it effectively impossible for many… More
Gov. Cuomo’s Announcement on Directive 4911A Welcome News for Inmates’ Right to Read
We welcome Governor Cuomo’s announcement, and hope that he, as well as officials within the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, will take this moment to… More
Prison & Justice Writing
For more than four decades, PEN America’s Prison Writing Program has amplified the writing of thousands of imprisoned writers by providing free resources, skilled mentors, and audiences for their… More
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