Meet Matthew Colvin, a CDCR Senior Librarian

Matthew Colvin’s 16-year CDCR career has gone from librarian to correctional officer and back again. Since 2019, he’s served as the Senior Librarian at Folsom State Prison.

After a brief stint as a substitute teacher, began his CDCR career as a librarian at the Correctional Training Facility in Soledad. He was there for a few years before attending the Basic Correctional Officer Academy and returning to Soledad as an officer.

The pull of the library was too difficult to resist. After a few years, he accepted a position as a senior librarian at Salinas Valley State Prison. He briefly returned to the Correctional Training Facility, then transferred as senior librarian to Folsom State Prison.

For Colvin, his choice to join CDCR was almost second nature.

“CDCR is deeply rooted in family tradition. I grew up in a household where both my parents worked as educators within CDCR. My father served as an academic teacher at the Central California Women’s Facility in Chowchilla while my mother worked as a teaching assistant at Corcoran,” he said.

After graduating with a master’s degree in library and information science, his parents encouraged him to apply with CDCR.

“The stable employment and comprehensive benefits offered by CDCR were undeniably attractive, but I was motivated to follow in the footsteps of my parents and carrying forward their legacy of service while utilizing my education and skills to make a meaningful difference,” Colvin said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to continue the tradition of service that runs deep within my family and to play a role in promoting rehabilitation and public safety within our communities.”

Q&A with Matthew Colvin, Folsom State Prison Senior Librarian

What is a typical workday like for you?

As a Senior Librarian in a correctional facility, my typical workday is dynamic and filled with diverse responsibilities. Each day presents unique challenges and opportunities to make a positive impact within the facility.

My day usually begins with a walkthrough and inventory audit of my work area to ensure safety and security is maintained. Throughout the day, I interact with a wide range of individuals, including incarcerated individuals, correctional officers/staff, and sometimes external volunteers.

I assist patrons with locating materials, provide research assistance, and facilitate educational programs or workshops aimed at promoting literacy, learning, and personal development. I have an open-door policy so I encourage patrons to speak to me directly so I can better assist them with their needs.

In addition to direct patron services, I also dedicate time to administrative tasks such as ensuring compliance with department policies, library cataloging, managing the library budget/supplies, supervising library clerks, scheduling, and other tasks to ensure quality and effective library service for residents at Folsom.

How do you handle working in a prison library?

I prioritize creating a safe and welcoming atmosphere within the library. Building trust and rapport with patrons is essential, as it fosters a sense of community and encourages individuals to engage in constructive activities that support their rehabilitation and reintegration into society. I encourage our patrons to share what they know with others and create a library environment that builds on that shared knowledge and cooperation.

Overall, my work as a Senior Librarian is deeply rewarding. It allows me to combine my passion for literature and education with a commitment to serving marginalized populations.

What is something people are surprised to learn about your job?

One aspect that often surprises people is the profound impact libraries can have within the prison system. Many are surprised to learn correctional libraries serve as much more than just repositories of books.

CDCR libraries are a vital hub for education and personal growth. Despite the challenges of the environment, incarcerated individuals often demonstrate a strong desire to learn and improve themselves. The library provides access to educational resources, literacy/self-help programs, vocational training materials.

Correctional libraries play a crucial role in promoting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism. By offering opportunities for intellectual stimulation, self-improvement, and creative expression, libraries contribute to the overall well-being and mental health of incarcerated individuals. This, in turn, can lead to positive behavioral changes and increased readiness for successful reentry into society upon release.

What advice do you have for others seeking to work for CDCR?

My advice is to recognize the profound opportunity to enact positive change within our communities. Working within CDCR is not just a job; it is a chance to contribute to the rehabilitation and transformation of individuals within the correctional system, ultimately fostering safer communities for all.

Aspiring applicants should understand that the role of correctional officers and staff extends far beyond traditional notions of law enforcement. While safety and security are paramount, there is also a significant emphasis on rehabilitation and reintegration. By embracing this integrated approach, individuals entering the CDCR have the power to impact lives in meaningful ways.

One of the most rewarding aspects of working for the CDCR is witnessing the tangible difference you can make in the lives of those in your care. Whether it is through providing mentorship, educational opportunities, or maintaining a safe environment, every interaction has the potential to set someone on a path toward positive change.

My advice to prospective CDCR applicants is to approach this career with empathy, compassion, and a commitment to excellence. Understand that your work has the power to transform lives and contribute to the greater good. Embrace the opportunity to be a catalyst for positive change, both within the correctional system and beyond. By doing so, you will not only enhance the lives of those you serve but also contribute to the safety and well-being of our communities as a whole.

What is a common question library users ask?

The questions vary widely due to the diverse range of services and resources we offer. Unlike in traditional public libraries where certain inquiries may be more common, our library serves as a law, academic, and public library all wrapped in one. While there may not be a single “common” question, our library serves as a multifaceted resource center within the correctional facility, addressing a wide range of inquiries and needs to support the rehabilitation and well-being of our patrons.

For example, we frequently receive requests for legal research. CDCR provides comprehensive legal information and resources to ensure access to the court. Many of the questions we get are related to criminal and civil rights law, but we also respond to requests for family law, estate planning, probate, and others that county law libraries would provide to the community.

The library program provides access to academic research, both general and peer reviewed, to support student learning, primarily for our growing college student population. Additionally, we assist individuals preparing for release with reentry resources, like housing assistance, job training programs, or community resources, so they can be better prepared to successfully reintegrate into society.

The library often serves as a primary point of contact, directing incarcerated individuals to other departments within the CDCR when their request falls outside the scope of library services. Whether it is routing inquiries to their correctional counselor, healthcare services, or educational programs, we play a crucial role in connecting individuals with the resources they need.

Do you have any hobbies to help with work/life balance?

As someone who practically grew up in libraries, I have always had a deep appreciation for learning and exploration. My goal is to try and learn at least one new thing each day, and I am happy to work in a field that provides me with the tools to make that happen.

I will proudly admit that I am a bit of a nerd at heart. One of my favorite pastimes to unwind and recharge is gaming. Gaming offers me a chance to escape into fantastical worlds and helps justify paying too much for computer equipment.

I think those of us that have made (CDCR) a career can encourage the next generation of employees to consider this as a career.

Matthew Colvin, Senior Librarian, Folsom State Prison

I also enjoy spending time outdoors and tackling various home projects. Whether it is gardening, hiking, or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll in nature, I find solace and rejuvenation in the great outdoors. Plus, there is something incredibly satisfying about completing DIY projects around the house. YouTube is amazing for figuring out how to tackle a job you have never done before.

I (am always) shuttling my kids around to various activities and appointments. My wife and I just celebrated our 13th year of marriage. It’s rejuvenating to spend quality time with my family and stay connected to their lives.

I am the proud parent of three adorable cats who bring endless joy and entertainment into my life, even as one is bugging me as I write this because I seem to have forgotten it is breakfast time.

Anything else you would like to add?

I often refer to working for CDCR as the best kept secret in California. I think we can all acknowledge that none of us, even those who work for CDCR, grew up with aspirations to work in a correctional institution/prison.

My experience is it usually took a friend or family member to provide that nudge to encourage people to apply. Working in CDCR can be challenging and there are days that will test your patience, but overall, I think those of us that have made this a career can encourage the next generation of employees to consider this as a career.

Story by Lt. C. Deal and Don Chaddock, Inside CDCR editor

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