Juvenile Facilities: Next Chapter Library

Recognizing an important community need, the Ventura County Probation Agency and the Ventura County Library joined forces to bring public library services to youth housed at the County's Juvenile Facilities.

Located along Vineyard Avenue in Oxnard, this state-of-the-art detention and commitment facility serves incarcerated youth up to age 25 and is situated in an unincorporated area of the county near the community of El Rio.

In recent reports, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation estimated that over half of incarcerated adults are functionally illiterate. 

Recognizing these challenges, staff from both the Probation Agency and the Ventura County Library identified an opportunity to make a meaningful difference. Through a two-year pilot partnership, the agencies are working together to bring library services and literacy resources directly to incarcerated youth in Ventura County. The initiative aligns with the County of Ventura’s strategic goal to meet and sustain basic needs while serving as a reliable safety net for vulnerable populations.

Next Chapter Library at a Glance

• Over 800 books available across multiple genres, including fiction, nonfiction, and trade and technical books.
• New materials are added to the collection on a rotating basis.
• Individuals housed at the facility have access to library services regardless of their placement level.
• Library cards are issued to participants electronically, so they can check out books.
• Staff work one-on-one with youth to assist with literacy.
• Books are selected with input from probation staff, educators, and youth themselves.