PRISON inmates are giving their visiting children books in a new project to encourage reading, and to help strengthen the family bond.

Lately, incarcerated fathers at HMP Chelmsford have been taking part in Family Library Time, where they read with their children away from the main visiting hall.

One inmate and a visiting child gave heart-warming applause to the scheme, for allowing a “very special day.”

Councillor Anne Brown is the Essex County Council Cabinet member responsible for libraries.

She said: “The sessions offer a less daunting way for children to visit their fathers in prison, away from the large visiting hall. 

“Research has shown that maintaining family relationships for a parent in prison plays a significant role in reducing the likelihood of re-offending.”

She also thanked Red Lion Books in Colchester, who teamed up with Essex Libraries to donate 500 ex-World Book Day books.

The initiative came during a recent book festival board meeting.

Peter Donaldson, owner of Red Lion Books and Essex Book Festival trustee was working through ideas with Louisa Steel, the prison library manager.

One of the fathers wrote to the library supervisor after the latest event.

He said: “To the lovely under-appreciated ladies of the library, thank you so much for everything this afternoon, it was perfect. I know that you put a lot of thought and time into making today very special and let me tell you, special it was.

“My lovely daughter has only been to the prison once before and she hated it, so for her to come today was both a big deal for her and for me.

“Once in six months is a very long time and is even harder for her. So thank you for making it so special. From the bottom of my heart thank you all so much.”

One eight-year-old girl said of the latest session: “It was great. I had the best time with my dad. Thank you.”

The Essex Book Festival takes place every March with events happening in venues across the county.

Visit the Essex Book Festival website for more details.