Naomi Long marks Book Week NI with visit to Hydebank Wood
Justice Minister Naomi Long has marked Book Week NI 2026 with a visit to Hydebank Wood Secure College and Female Prison, highlighting the importance of reading in education, rehabilitation and personal development.
During her visit to the library at Hydebank Wood, the Minister met staff, learners and representatives from Shannon Trust, a charity delivering literacy and numeracy programmes in prisons.
The visit forms part of Book Week NI, which runs from 21 to 27 October, encouraging people across Northern Ireland to discover the benefits of reading.
Reading can help transform lives
Speaking during her visit, Mrs Long emphasised the importance of providing opportunities for people in custody to develop skills and improve their future prospects.
“Reading has the power to transform lives. It builds confidence, opens doors to learning and employment, and helps people see new possibilities for their future,” she said.
“Libraries in our prisons are about much more than books. They support education, wellbeing and rehabilitation, providing opportunities for people to develop skills and make positive changes in their lives.”
The Minister also praised the work of Shannon Trust, which uses a peer-led approach to help people in custody improve their literacy and numeracy.
She said the charity’s programmes provide essential skills for everyday life, further education and future employment.
Supporting rehabilitation through education
Hydebank Wood has a particular focus on education, learning and employment.
The facility accommodates young people aged between 18 and 21, as well as female remand and sentenced prisoners within the complex.
Its library and learning programmes form part of efforts to help people in custody develop confidence, improve their skills and prepare for life after release.
During her visit, Mrs Long met young people who have benefited from Shannon Trust’s programmes.
The charity’s approach involves people in custody supporting others to develop reading, writing and numeracy skills.
Hydebank Wood welcomes Book Week NI
Governor Richard Taylor welcomed the Minister’s visit and highlighted the role reading can play in rehabilitation.
“Reading can be a powerful tool for learning, personal growth and rehabilitation. We are pleased to support Book Week NI and the wide range of opportunities it provides for those in our care,” he said.
Throughout Book Week NI, learners at Hydebank Wood will participate in reading and literary activities designed to encourage creativity, learning and engagement.
The Department of Justice said the activities would help promote the value of reading and demonstrate how education can support positive change for people in custody.
External links: Department of Justice NI and Shannon Trust.
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