Captivating Conversations: Story Link Idaho

Join the Old Idaho Penitentiary for a Captivating Conversation with Mary Ann Kojis, co-founder of Story Link Idaho.

Story Link Idaho seeks to link children and incarcerated parents with the gift of reading. Serving nine Idaho Prisons, residents choose books to read to their children and grandchildren, Story Link volunteers record the resident reading the book, and Story Link mails the books and CD recordings to their children, free of charge. Residents are able to read one book each month after filling out a monthly Story Link Application.

Mary Ann Kojis taught first grade through junior high and high school for 39 years. After starting a Story Link program in Missouri, then began a program in Idaho in 2010 on a shoestring budget. They arrived at their first prison with books, envelopes and CDs on December 17, 2011, and as of today (2023), they have sent 10,445 books to children and grandchildren of incarcerated people. A participating resident stated, “my five year-old son gets so excited when he receives a book and hears his dad reading a book to him.”

This event is FREE. Pre-register online or arrive at the Old Idaho Penitentiary by 6:30 pm on Friday, January 19, 2024.

Event: Friday, January 19, 2024. Doors open at 6:00 pm, presentation begins at 6:30 pm. Site closes at 8:00 pm. Arrive early to explore the site and grab complimentary refreshments before the conversation begins.

“Captivating Conversations” is an ongoing educational experience series, hosted by the Old Idaho Penitentiary and featuring a variety of guest speakers and topics ranging from the history of the Idaho State Penitentiary to the issues facing correctional institutions today.