Justice Minister Naomi Long marks Book Week NI at Hydebank Wood
Date published:
Justice Minister Naomi Long has marked Book Week NI 2026 with a visit to the library at Hydebank Wood Secure College and Female Prison, highlighting the role reading plays in education, rehabilitation and personal development.
During her visit, the Minister met library staff, learners and representatives from Shannon Trust, which delivers peer-led literacy and numeracy programmes in prisons.
Minister Long said: "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.
"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.
"I was particularly pleased to see the work of Shannon Trust, whose peer-led approach helps people in custody gain the literacy and numeracy skills that are essential for everyday life, further learning and future employment. Their work is changing lives and creating opportunities."
Governor Richard Taylor welcomed the Minister's visit.
"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."
Throughout Book Week NI, learners at Hydebank Wood will take part in a range of reading and literary activities designed to promote learning, creativity and engagement.
Notes to editors:
- PHOTO CAPTIONS:
Marking Book Week NI (21–27 Oct), Justice Minister Naomi Long is pictured at Hydebank Wood College library with Governor Richard Taylor, Activities & PDU Governor Chris Douglas and Maria O’Neill, Head of Learning and Skills, Belfast Met.
During a visit to Hydebank Wood College library to mark Book Week NI Justice Minister Naomi Long met young people in custody who have benefited from the work of Shannon Trust, a charitable organisation delivering literacy and numeracy programmes in prisons.
2. Hydebank Wood College, which has a focus on education, learning and employment, accommodates young people between the ages of 18 and 21. It also accommodates female remand and sentenced prisoners within the complex.
3. Media enquiries should be directed to the Department of Justice Press Office via email to: press.office@justice-ni.gov.uk
4. Follow the department on X @Justice_NI
5. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.