Justice Minister Naomi Long has marked Book Week NI with a visit to the library at Hydebank Wood Secure College and Female Prison, highlighting the role reading plays in education, rehabilitation and personal development.

During her visit, the Minister met library staff, learners and representatives from Shannon Trust, which delivers peer-led literacy and numeracy programmes in prisons.

Minister Long said: "Reading has the power to transform lives. It builds confidence, opens doors to learning and employment, and helps people see new possibilities for their future.

"Libraries in our prisons are about much more than books.

Marking Book Week NI, Justice Minister Naomi Long is pictured at Hydebank Wood College library with Governor Richard Taylor, Activities & PDU Governor Chris Douglas and Marie O’Neill, Head of Learning and Skills, Belfast Met. Pic credit: Michael Cooper

placeholder image — Marking Book Week NI, Justice Minister Naomi Long is pictured at Hydebank Wood College library with Governor Richard Taylor, Activities & PDU Governor Chris Douglas and Marie O’Neill, Head of Learning and Skills, Belfast Met. Pic credit: Michael Cooper

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"They support education, wellbeing and rehabilitation, providing opportunities for people to make positive changes in their lives.

"I was particularly pleased to see the work of Shannon Trust, whose peer-led approach helps people in custody gain the literacy and numeracy skills that are essential for everyday life, further learning and future employment."

Governor Richard Taylor added: "Reading can be a powerful tool for learning, personal growth and rehabilitation.”