SUFFOLK COUNTY SHERIFF ANNOUNCES R.E.A.D. PROGRAM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 16, 2026

SUFFOLK COUNTY SHERIFF ANNOUNCES R.E.A.D. PROGRAM

Partnership with Public Libraries of Suffolk County Offers Library Access to Individuals Upon Release

(SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY) – Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. today announced the launch of the Reentry Education and Access to Discovery (R.E.A.D.) Program, a partnership between the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office and the Public Libraries of Suffolk County that will provide library cards to individuals reentering the community after incarceration.

The program is designed to support successful community reentry by connecting individuals with the wide range of educational, employment, and technological resources available through local libraries. Participants, who must have a definite release date, will be able to register while incarcerated and receive a library card.

“Eighty-five percent of the men and women incarcerated in our jails return back to our communities, so it is vital to give them the tools to succeed. I thank the Suffolk Cooperative Library System for partnering with us to expand access to all of Suffolk’s libraries and the important resources that they provide,” said Suffolk Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr.

“The Public Libraries of Suffolk County are proud to be participating in the Sheriff’s R.E.A.D. Program. Accessibility for all is one of the central values of public libraries, and their vast array of programs and services are a natural fit for those who are looking to successfully re-enter their communities,” said Kevin Verbesey, Executive Director of the Suffolk Cooperative Library System (SCLS). “We thank Sheriff Toulon for his foresight in seeing the positive impact public libraries have on all community members.”

"As the Central Library for Suffolk County, the Patchogue-Medford Library is proud to participate in Sheriff Toulon’s R.E.A.D. program. Public libraries have always been places where people can find information, support, and a path forward, and we believe strongly in being a resource for those returning to our communities. We thank Sheriff Toulon for including libraries in this important initiative,” said Danielle Paisley, Director of the Patchogue-Medford Library.

The Sheriff’s Transition and Reentry Team (START) will maintain a database of eligible individuals who signed up for the program and distribute the physical cards to the individuals upon release. The cards will be standard plastic library cards and will grant 90 days of access to Suffolk County libraries. To ensure privacy and dignity, there is no indication of prior incarceration on the card.

Suffolk County libraries offer many resources that may benefit individuals reentering the community, including access to computers, internet, printing, educational materials, job search resources, and other support services offered by the libraries.

ABOUT THE START RESOURCE CENTER:

The START Resource Center assists formerly incarcerated individuals and their families with connections to reentry support, including services for mental health and substance abuse, assistance with obtaining documentation and employment, as well as food, clothing, and more. Since Sheriff Toulon launched the program in 2020, it has seen tremendous results, with the recidivism rate of those participating landing at nearly half of the New York State average.

ABOUT SCLS

The Suffolk Cooperative Library System (SCLS) supports the 56 public libraries that serve more than 1.5 million residents across Suffolk County, New York, providing shared resources, training, and collaborative services that strengthen library programs and community access to information.

ABOUT PATCHOGUE-MEDFORD LIBRARY

The Patchogue-Medford Library is a public library serving residents of the Patchogue-Medford School District on Long Island, including the Village of Patchogue and the communities of North Patchogue, Medford, and portions of East Patchogue. For 125 years, the Library has been a trusted community resource, guided by its mission to empower, educate, and entertain the community. The Library provides free access to a wide range of materials, programs, and services that support lifelong learning and intellectual freedom. The Patchogue Medford Library also serves as the Central Library for the Suffolk Cooperative Library System.

For more information, please visit www.suffolksheriff.com or contact the Sheriff’s Public Information Office at SheriffPIO@SuffolkCountyny.gov.