For decades, prisons nationwide have misused solitary confinement. In reality, long-term isolation is harmful to prisoners, costly to taxpayers and does not make communities safer. In the last five years, in keeping with national trends, the Connecticut Department of Correction has significantly limited its use. Since then, staff assaults, inmate assaults, use-of-force incidents and suicide attempts have all decreased. Inside the Box is a movement dedicated to reform solitary confinement in Connecticut and beyond.

For the first time nationally, the replica solitary cell was openly accessible, having previously been on view for targeted audiences. The library stood with a coalition including survivors, advocates, religious organizations, undergraduate and law students and local residents. Through a press event, a panel and community conversation, a documentary film and creative dance performance by former inmates, the library put the spotlight on an issue of social justice and civic importance locally and nationally.

Inside the Box raised awareness about necessary reforms. The library provided the democratic platform for experience, education and community dialogue. On June 7, 2017, due in part to this initiative, the Connecticut General Assembly passed HB7302, the first public oversight of Connecticut state prisons in over two decades, enlisting bans on placing children in the harshest forms of solitary and mandating annual reporting by the Connecticut Department of Correction on the use of solitary.