March 10, 2026
The California State Library has recently digitized a collection of historical periodicals from 21 California correctional institutions, published between 1915 and 1991. The full collection is now available online through the State Library's catalog, providing rare primary-source material documenting prison life, creative expression, and the voices and experience of people living within California's penal System. Catalog and access to full collection aill be available on this website for 30 days. Afterwards, visit California State Library website for access.
Another source for this sort of information (state prison felons, jail mug books, etc.) are the books created by a Root Cellar committee over the years. All those books can be purchased online from the Root Cellar website. Order fulfillment may take time since a volunteer must get the book copied and bound prior to shipment.