JKR Presents Reading Awards to Inmates

J.K. Rowling recently presented reading awards to inmates at Edinburgh Prison in Scotland, reports ITN. Jo attented the awards presentation after being invited by the Shannon Trust who "were delighted that JK Rowling was able to visit. She gave the prisoners a real boost."

Following her visit, Rowling said: "It was a very positive experience. Learning to read represents a significant turning point in anyone's life, and may be the one thing that makes a difference to help people in prison turn their lives around."

According to the Shannon Trust, 65 percent of all prisoners have a reading age of 11 years or younger. This prevents them from finding employment upon released, making them three times more likely to re-offend than those who do find employment.

"Some were just starting out on the scheme and this gave them a real incentive to continue learning," said a representative for the charity.