North Charleston, South Carolina – The Charleston County Public Library will reveal its newest installation, which offers voice to those who have been incarcerated.
“The Listening Booth” uses a variety of mediums to communicate the stories of former inmates and their families.
“Libraries are community anchors, but they’re also places where difficult conversations and human stories can unfold in ways that bring people together,” Library spokesperson Melissa Tunstall explained. “The Listening Booth reminds us that storytelling can be both a tool for healing and a bridge for understanding.”
The exhibit includes a refurbished pay phone where visitors can listen to ten recorded stories.
The library has already received ten personal accounts from previous detainees and family members.
Tunstall noted that the courage necessary to share the experiences cannot be underestimated.
“By sharing their experiences, participants are not only reclaiming their own narratives but also helping our community see the human side of incarceration, the families, the growth, and the hope for what comes next,” she told me.
The project will begin at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Keith Summey North Charleston Library, located at 3503 Rivers Ave.
A panel will also be conducted to commemorate the launch.
