Riley's Readers helps incarcerated fathers record storybooks for their children

SPARTANBURG, S.C. —

In Spartanburg County, six incarcerated fathers at Livesay Correctional Institution recorded themselves reading books as part of a program aimed at helping parents maintain family connections while serving their sentences.

Riley Reads, a program created by the Riley Institute at Furman University, provides an opportunity for incarcerated parents to read children’s books with a voice recording feature. They are also allowed to include personal messages for their children.

Officials at Livesay Correctional Institution said participants must remain disciplinary-free for at least six months to participate in the program.

Associate Warden Tyler Hodge said the program gives incarcerated parents a way to remain involved in their children’s lives despite being separated from them.

“I think oftentimes everyone forgets about the children that are involved,” Hodge said. “And this is just a very easy way for an inmate to be able to maintain that family connection that’s very important and needed in the child’s life.”

During the recording session, fathers read aloud, made animal sounds and spoke directly to their children as if they were sitting beside them.

“I love doing it,” said one father. “My son and I share the same personality, so I like doing it. I’m actually talking like he’s sitting right here.”

Parents are also encouraged to include messages for their children throughout the books.

“I said, ‘I love you. I just want you to know how amazing you are and how cool this is that I get to tell you that in a book,’” one father said.

Capt. Gloria Lucky said the experience can be emotional for participants.

“I see them smile. I see them cry, and they are good tears, not sad tears,” Lucky said.