Institutional Services

The Institutional Services Division provides library services in two Erie County institutions.

Correctional Facility Library
'This library located within the Erie County Correctional Facility contains both a law library and a general public library. Constructed in 1986, library was a focal point of the Ere County Correctional Facility. Its general collection contains over 7,000 books for inmates' educational and recreational purposes; the law collection is accessible through legal databases, with computers available for research and other legal work.

Holding Center Library
Begun in 1969 as cart service to cells, this library has grown to encompass a new facility with both a legal collection and a general library. Inmates can borrow materials from population fiction to non-fiction and have access to legal databases while awaiting trial.

Connections: A Guide to Transitional Services in Erie County

This booklet contains useful information about services available to ex-offenders, including crisis services and counseling, employment and education, housing and food, legal, medical, substance abuse, transportation, and veterans benefits.

For any questions, please contact the Institutional Services Division at 858-7159. The guide may also be downloaded from the following link: B&ECPL Connections - English (pdf) | B&ECPL Connections - Spanish (pdf)

Suggested Websites for Ex-Offenders

Western New York

Central Referral Service, Inc. (Western New York 2-1-1)
http://www.211wny.org/ (2-1-1 in Western New York)
Giving individuals free and confidential referrals to Western New York health and human service providers.
Prisoners are People Too, Inc
http://www.prp2.org/
Prisoners are People Too, Inc. provides networking opportunities, referrals to service providers, and community building by redirecting civil, social, and legal barriers to the incarcerated, formerly incarcerated and victims of crime.

New York State

National Reentry Resource Center- NY State
https://csgjusticecenter.org/nrrc/reentry-services-directory/#new_york
The National Reentry Resource Center provides important information for anyone reentering society from prison. These guides, service directories and publications will lead to the help needed for a smooth transition.
The Prime Objective: A Guide to Preparing the Job Seeking Ex-Offender
https://labor.ny.gov/formsdocs/pubs/pdfs/es302.pdf

Prepared by the New York State Department of Labor, The Prime Objective is a resource booklet designed to help ex-offenders, or those who work with ex-offenders make reentry into the workforce as successful as possible.