500 and Counting! A Freedom Reads Celebration

Saturday, September 13, 2025 | 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

$0 | Friedman Family Auditorium

How can reading foster inspiration and community even in the most uninspiring environments? Reginald Dwayne Betts is the founder and CEO of Freedom Reads, a first-of-its-kind organization that confronts the impact of prison on the spirit. In March, he celebrated the 20th anniversary of his release from prison — the spark from which Freedom Reads was ignited — and this fall, Freedom Reads celebrated the opening of the organization’s 500th Freedom Library, each one built inside a prison.

In celebration of these milestones, Reginald Dwayne Betts joins Planet Word for a compelling talk and demonstration on how the power of books and literacy empowers us to build confidence and community in every space. Learn how Freedom Reads’s innovative program, featuring beautifully handcrafted library displays, transforms prison cellblocks into “Freedom Libraries.” Finally, embark on a beautiful journey with Dwayne as he shares inspiring and joyful excerpts from his latest book of poetry, Doggerel.

4:00 – 5:00 p.m. — Talk, Excerpt Readings, and Q&A (Auditorium)
5:00 – 6:00 p.m. — Meet & Greet and Freedom Library Show & Tell (Mansard Room) 

For questions or concerns regarding accessibility needs, please contact [email protected].