Forward

Before I came to work with the dogs here in the Staff Dogs program I worked in the prison library. It was the only place one could go to find a glimmer of peace and quiet. I used to go there to read and write, and it was only natural that I’d seek to work there.

During my library tenure I worked as a clerk, a desk receptionist, and at one time I was even the institution’s law clerk. I loved my bosses, and I loved the job and in the prison universe it’s rare to have both.

I met Underdog many years ago. He’s a good friend. He has written for this blog again and again, and I admire his ability to continue forward despite his incredibly long sentence. He’s a positive light in a dark environment.

Christopher

I Am The Library Guy
By Underdog

I recently finished reading Christopher’s book of blog posts, and I really enjoyed it. What a great window into the prison world for families and friends, and others on the outside.

I met Christopher 15 years ago when I started working in the library here at Madison Correctional. The library is the spot for me. I worked at a university library before I got locked up, and I was lucky enough to work in the library at Lebanon Correctional Institution (OH) almost the entire time I was there.

The library plays an important function in here as a source of information and rumor control. For me the library is an oasis in a desert of stress and tension. Working there makes it possible for me to help other guys. I can find an address for a clerk of courts, help find a book, renew an overdue book, put in a request for an inter-library loan, refer patrons to reference, reentry or law sources, help make photo copies (e.g. updated commissary price list), and other assorted tasks. This puts me in a good spot in the prison hierarchy Christopher wrote about. Guys know they can come to me with questions, and I will follow through. I don’t do this as a hustle, I consider it part of my job. Also, being in this position guys pretty much overlook that I am a sex offender. I’ve established a valuable niche for myself–I’m The Library Guy.

Underdog (MaCI) (OH)

Read more of Underdogs thoughts in “This Land Is Your Land” “What Goes Around Comes Around” and “The Jerry Springer Effect”. You can find each by typing the title into the search bar.

Next week read the first part of a new multi part guest written women’s series titled ”Sugar & Spice” about the things that go on in women’s