I was astounded by the reception I received on placing inspirational books into the Northern Ireland Prison Service [NIPS] yesterday. Prison Governors are really busy people. I hoped for just a quick photo of the handovers, but the warm welcomes delighted me.
I arrived at Maghaberry Prison with 226 books, all with the potential to change lives. Prison Fellowship Northern Ireland [PFNI] had set the visit up for me. On arrival we learnt that the Governor had given instructions to hand over the boxes for transfer straight to the Library. As they went to be scanned, we started our security clearance process. I had submitted my details in advance. But my photo and fingerprints had to be taken before they issued me with an electronic visitor pass. I lost track of the number of times that I swiped my pass, looked into a camera, and pressed my hand into yet another finger print reader. I just about got the hang of those awkward readers by the time we were leaving.
In Maghaberry Prison Library, L to R: Governor David Savage, Julie Carvill, a senior Officer, and Robin Scott of PFNI
Once through many layers of security, we reached the Library. I was delighted to be met there by Governor David Savage. Two Prison Officers had just arrived, after reassignment from the wings to the Library. They had already opened one of the boxes and put some of the books on display. I was delighted at everyone’s enthusiasm about the selection of titles. The Governor immediately spotted Taming of a Villain, by a fellow ex professional rugby player, Allen Langham.
These Officers proposed a new idea to the Governor whereby trollies of books could be taken to the wings. They hoped that prisoners who might not visit the Library would in this way be encouraged to read a book. The Governor thought it a great idea. Then he asked my advice about displaying the books within the Library. He had given some thought as to whether it would be better to mix them in with other titles, or to place them in a section of their own. He was already tending towards the latter, with which I agreed.
The Library is in a very modern and large Education Centre, around which the Governor brought us on a tour. We popped into many classrooms, and art and pottery workshops. The prisoners were very keen to show me their creations. Then it was on to the Trades Workshops, such as brick-laying, painting and decorating, and joinery. We could see that the prisoners were taking pride in producing intricate work. The head count in Maghaberry Prison that day was 1,001 men, but I noticed how the Governor seemed to know all of them by name.
Next he took us on a tour of the rest of the campus, including a visit to Davis House. This accommodation block was completed recently, and is the pride and joy of the Governor. Then he even invited us to lunch, cooked of course by the prisoners. I learnt so much as we chatted. He even shared how he had come to choose this career. I had hoped for a few minutes with Governor David Savage, but we arrived at 11:15, and didn’t say goodbye until 14:00. What a privilege!
Then it was on to Hydebank Wood, which incorporates both a Women’s Prison and a ‘College’ for 18 – 25 year old men. Once inside the campus, it feels like an Open Prison as the high security walls are hardly visible. Nor do the staff wear uniform. The prisoners look after the attractive landscaping. I met the therapy dogs, viewed the rare sheep, and heard about the resident donkeys.
In Hydebank Wood Prison Library, L to R: Robin Scott of PFNI, Julie Carvill, Joanne of PFNI, the Librarian, and a senior Officer
But before the tour, we were welcomed to the Library area, where refreshments awaited us. This is a bright, airy, and spacious facility. There are of course displays of library books, with specific areas for the ladies and the young men. But it also serves as a hub for all sorts of innovative and atttractive programmes for both sets of prisoners. Though the two cohorts are completely segregated. Because so many attractive activities take place here in amongst displays of books, those who have never picked up a book before are enticed to read one. The 108 books which I delivered were very warmly received, with one selection specifically for the ladies section, and another selection for the young men.
I also brought up books for Magilligan Prison. When they are delivered, then all the Northern Ireland Prison Service prisoners will have access to inspirational Christian books – 447 in total.