Iowa Prisons Archives | Little Village

‘How we treat the formerly incarcerated doesn’t rank very high in the minds of most folks’: With COVID-19, the fight against recidivism in Iowa is even more urgent

Posted on Jun 17, 2020 by Izabela Zaluska

Eddie Walker was released from prison last June after being incarcerated for 18 years for a robbery charge. Now living in Iowa City, Walker recalled the arduous process of finding an apartment after his release; in one instance, he was told by a rental company that he was an ideal potential renter, but they wouldn’t […]

Notes from the Inside: Being Fathers Now

Posted on Nov 1, 2016 by Little Village

Notes from the Inside features writing by inmates serving time in Iowa prisons. Little Village editors have made only minor adjustments for style and length. By Tom S. If asked the question, “What is one of, if not THE most important responsibility we have in life?,” most everyone would mention “parenting,” or, for the men […]

Notes from the Inside: Namaste

Posted on Aug 16, 2016 by Little Village

Notes from the Inside features writing by inmates serving time in Iowa prisons. Little Village editors have made only minor adjustments for style. By José R. Namaste: a Hindu greeting which loosely translates into, “The good that is in the deepest part of me, greets the good that is in the deepest part of you.” […]

Notes from the Inside: Perceptions of Freedom

Posted on Jul 6, 2016 by Little Village

Notes from the Inside features writing by inmates serving time in Iowa prisons. Little Village editors have made only minor adjustments for style. Parades, picnics, family gatherings and fireworks! All are America’s traditions that celebrate our independence on the Fourth of July. This is our national holiday recognizing our freedom. Yet exactly what does freedom […]

Notes from the inside: An interview with Oakdale Warden Jim McKinney

Posted on Mar 7, 2016 by Little Village

Notes from the Inside features writing by inmates serving time in Iowa prisons. Little Village editors have made only minor adjustments for style. This is an excerpt of a longer interview. By Tom S. & Jon S. On Wednesday, Dec. 23, Oakdale Warden Jim McKinney was good enough to take some time out of his […]