The Brooklyn Public Library ( BPL ) want to make it easy for incarcerated New Yorkers and their house to stay connected . In edict to add on expensive phone calls and sporadic in - person visits , the BPL is launching a free video trial program in 12 of its subroutine library . The Vergereports thatTeleStorywill furnish intimate spaces for family members to talk to convict .
The BPL launched TeleStory at its main branch in 2014 , and was late awarded a $ 393,249 Hiram Ulysses Grant from theKnight News Challengeto extend the platform to other locations . While TeleStory will benefit all friends and family of put behind bars New Yorkers , it ’s specifically geared toward small fry . In addition to creating video recording chat adeptness , the BPL will occupy TV New World chat room with Book and toys , and inmates will also receive a set of children ’s Book during their call so they can study to their kids .
TechMicexplains that , while some slammer already offer video chat table service , these are often low character and can cost up to $ 1.50 for each minute of glitchy , modest resolution telecasting . Meanwhile , visit loved ones incarcerated on Rikers Island often regard a grueling and prison term - eat up commute regard multiple buses and trains , which can be difficult for many to make on a regular foundation . By contrast , BPL television chat will be local and innocent , and the BPL will specifically prioritize neighborhoods with higher rates of incarceration to make it as convenient as possible . The idea , according to Nick Higgins of the BPL , is not to replace other trial services , but to affix them .
The Brooklyn Public Library is just one of the many depository library across America that have expanded their community service farbeyond ledger - lending . Many libraries provide employment service , computer classes , food , and evenjob interview attirefor community members . But the BPL ’s TeleStory computer program does n’t just leave services to depository library supporter , it also addresses some of the problems with the prison visiting arrangement , search to provide a more positivistic chitchat experience .
" It ’s an intentionally human experience , " Higgins told TechMic . " Anything that we do in clink or marginalized residential district , we need to create a sentience of belonging and inclusion body . How life should be . "
[ h / tThe Verge ]
