Break Out: A PEN America Prison Writing Awards Celebration

PEN America and Brooklyn Public Library are proud to celebrate the launch of the 2021 PEN America Prison Writing Awards Anthology with a dynamic virtual reading of literature from incarcerated writers, performed by authors, actors, and activists, including Jacqueline Woodson, Baratunde Thurston, Mitchell S. Jackson, Piper Kerman, Nate Marshall, Herb Boyd and more...

Nearly two years into the pandemic, the isolation of life behind bars has reached an excruciating pitch, with devastating death tolls, unsafe conditions, and limited contact with loved ones. PEN America and BPL continue to extend services, resources, and solidarity to the vibrant literary community behind the walls. In addition to spotlighting our prize-winning works, this event will be made available to incarcerated New Yorkers on Department of Correction tablets, and purchases of the celebrated anthology will allow us to send copies into jails and prisons via BPL's Justice Initiatives.

Please register to receive the link at the time of the event.