
Comic books are the most popular items inmates at Rikers Island check out. Photo by Ariama Long.
Picture this: The most popular items at the Rikers Island New York Public Library branch are comic books.
The readers – both men and women – get lost in the stories, says Sarah Ball, the branch’s supervising library. She believes comics remind the inmates of home and of their youth, providing comfort and entertainment in a difficult environment.
Ariama Long takes a closer look at the role of comics at Rikers.