The LBRP provides a novel approach to repairing damaged books owned by MCPL. Although the 21 branches had some volunteers that provided this mending service, there was not a solid and consistent method for repairing damaged books system-wide. Since 2013, in partnership with the Montgomery County Department of Correction and Rehabilitation (MCDOCR), MCPL implemented the LBRP. The LBRP offers the venue for MCCF inmates to be trained in the restoration work and repair of damaged books from the library system so that they can be returned to circulation instead of being discarded, consequently saving a substantial amount of materials and funds. Through this project, inmates who will be returning to society develop new skills and work habits while providing a service to MCPL and the community.

The LBRP channels the process of returning previously damaged books back into circulation for customers’ use at no cost for MCPL and provides an opportunity for inmates to give back to the community in a meaningful way while acquiring work skills and work habits that may enhance future employability. LBRP started as a pilot in 2012, with few branches participating and MCCF funding the training and materials needed. Selected inmates were trained and able to earn “good time credit” towards reducing their sentence, if performance was satisfactory. Due to its success, in 2013 MCPL expanded the LBPR to all branches.

Since 2013, the LBRP has trained more than 332 inmates and 1,032 books have been repaired at a saving cost of $93,042. The inmates’ involvement in the program is what makes LBRP much more than a cost-saving program. One of the inmates working on LBRP described that before participating in the project, he did not have a very strong work ethic; working at LBRP and learning a new skill has shown him that he can be productive in society and contribute positively instead of choosing a different direction. MCCF’s current capacity is approximately 1,000 inmates; ninety percent (90%) ultimately return into the community. Government representatives from more than a dozen countries, including Saudi Arabia and China, have visited MCCF to learn about the LBRP.