Sentenced to Literature Class

"Changing Lives Through Literature (CLTL) is a program that began in Massachusetts in response to a growing need within our criminal justice system to find alternatives to incarceration. Burdened by expense and repeat offenders, our prisons can rarely give adequate attention to the needs of inmates and, thus, do little else than warehouse our criminals. Disturbed by the lack of real success by prisons to reform offenders and affect their patterns of behavior, Professor Robert Waxler and Judge Robert Kane discussed using literature as a way of reaching hardened criminals."

The result was an exemplary alternative sentencing program in Massachusetts and several other states where in addition to probation, criminal offenders take part in literature reading groups. By reading and discussing classic books, they gain new insight into their lives and potentially realize that there may be a different way to live their lives.

A five-year study of the program in New Bedford, MA looked at the numbers and types of offenses committed by CLTL graduates. The study showed an impressive reduction in both misdemeanors and felonies.

We applaud this innovative program as proof that books can indeed open doors!