Queens Public Library kicks off week of justice reform initiatives

Queens Public Library President Dennis Walcott and the QPL have developed programs to support formerly incarcerated New Yorkers. Photo Courtesy of QPL

By Rachel Vick

The Queens Public Library kicked off a week of programming Monday to help formerly incarcerated patrons and their family members pursue careers, education and opportunities for entrepreneurship. 

Each day this week, QPL’s “Justice Without Barriers” initiative will provide virtual workshops and information for formerly incarcerated New Yorkers reentering the job market and building their resumes.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has made the transition from life inside a correctional facility to life on the outside especially challenging,” said CEO Dennis Walcott last month, during a previous partnership with Queens Defenders.

The program “Justice Without Barriers: Job Search for the Formerly Incarcerated” will take place today. Tomorrow features “Boss Moves: How to Start a Business,”  and QPL will offer “Boss Moves: Build Graphics for Your Brand” on Dec. 11.

Tuesday’s session saw QPL Hip-Hop Coordinator Ralph McDaniels interview Lance Feurtado, a nonprofit founder who served time behind bars. Feurtado described his own experience with reentry and shared advice for people facing similar situations. Feurtado’s organization King of Kings provides services and guidance for young people from low-income communities.

The series ends Friday by highlighting alternative-to-incarceration programs at the Youth Justice Court in Southeast Queens, where teenagers participate in youth court at branches in Far Rockaway, Central, Laurelton and Cambria. The teens will share their experiences. 
A full schedule of events is available online at the QPL website .