The Washington State Penitentiary can boast of having two libraries and has for quite some time.  However, the one library in the Medium Security Complex (MSC) was a shoebox of a room with very little in the way of material.  Books and tapes did take up every available space, but there just was not enough to keep up with the demand.  In the last couple years there have been major renovations at the Penitentiary and one of the benefits was a new library for MSC or what is now called the West Complex.
When I went to Walla Walla a couple of weeks ago I was able to see and work in the new library for the first time.  It was actually kind of nice.  The building is new, the furniture is all new, and there were even some new books.  Now it isn’t one of our larger libraries, but it was definitely a major step up from the shoe box of before.  There are some difficulties with the schedules and such, but overall working there was a good experience.  I especially loved the staff chair in the office; I almost took it with me to bring back to Stafford Creek.  The chair was mesh (so no issues with heat and sweating) and was fully adjustable in every way imaginable.  I especially liked the wide seat and adjustable arms.  However, I was a good girl and left the chair right where it was, but someday I hope to have one for my very own.