Furman University Program Connects Inmates With Children
The Riley’s Readers initiative offers free recorded bedtime stories to help South Carolina families cope with separation.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Child Care
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The Riley Institute at Furman University operates a program called Riley’s Readers that facilitates recorded bedtime stories for children of incarcerated parents. This free service connects families across South Carolina by delivering books read by parents currently at the Livesay Correctional Institution in Spartanburg County.
Why it matters
The initiative addresses the emotional strain and physical distance incarceration imposes on parent-child relationships. By facilitating these readings, the program provides a vital tool for families to maintain bonds despite being apart.
Since its inception, the program has facilitated the delivery of over 1,500 books to children. More than 500 inmates have participated in the initiative, which is funded by a state grant.
The players
The Riley Institute at Furman University
A research and public policy organization based in Greenville that focuses on community initiatives and educational outreach.
Livesay Correctional Institution
A state-run facility located in Spartanburg County that serves as the current site for the Riley’s Readers program.
The details
At the Livesay Correctional Institution, staff members coordinate the recording process where parents select books and record themselves reading aloud. These digital recordings and the physical books are then sent to families at no cost, allowing children to listen to their parents' voices during bedtime routines.
Timeline
Program details were highlighted in a report on September 29, 2026.
The Home Front
This initiative reflects a growing trend of academic institutions creating targeted community programs to support family cohesion. It aligns with statewide efforts to address the emotional and social impacts of incarceration on households in South Carolina.
Families with incarcerated loved ones should contact local correctional facility social workers to ask if similar literacy or connection programs are available in their area. Parents can also look for existing community-led reading programs that support children maintaining bonds with family members.
The takeaway
Maintaining daily rituals like bedtime stories can be a powerful way to sustain family bonds during long periods of separation. Families affected by incarceration should reach out to institutional staff to advocate for the availability of recording programs and library access.
Further reading
Learn more about local support services in the South Carolina Child Care section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Foxcarolina.
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