Youth correctional facility in Woodburn works to make its library accessible to youth once again

When the pandemic hit in 2020, Oregon’s largest juvenile correctional facility moved its library to a gear closet to make more space for social-distance learning.

The books have remained there since then and have been difficult for youth to access. A lot of them were damaged or have grown dusty and moldy.

Now, there is a renewed effort to make the library at the MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility accessible again and update the list of books youth in the state’s custody can read.

“A secure facility with a lot of idle minds and hands and not having books for five years is a missed opportunity,” said Miranda Cryns, the principal of Lord High School, which is on the MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility campus.

As part of the effort, the youth in custody, whose ages range from 12 to 24, have started requesting titles they would love to read. It includes a lot of book series, including “Naruto” a popular Manga series and many Spanish-language books.

“There are also a lot of how-tos, how-to draw calligraphy, things like that,” Cryns said.

She said they are also simply excited to get new, updated books.

The youth have also requested more diverse authors, Will Howell, a spokesman for the youth authority said.

The Oregon Youth Authority is in charge of youth ranging from ages 12 to 24 who committed crimes before they were 18. It oversees and operates five youth correctional facilities and four transitional facilities, including MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility in Woodburn.

MacLaren is the largest youth correctional facility in the state and can hold about 180 male youths.