![Illinois Newsroom hosted a News & Brews event to discuss the lack of spending on books in Illinois prisons with volunteers and formerly incarcerated people on July 24, 2018.](https://will.illinois.edu/images/uploads/51803/newsandbrewsprisonbooks-1024x819__medium.jpg)
Department of Corrections Director Blames Illinois Lawmakers For Lack Of Spending On Prison Books
Last spring, Illinois Newsroom reported that the Illinois Department of Corrections spent less than $300 on books for all of its prisons the prior year. In a recent interview, IDOC Director John Baldwin said state lawmakers dictate how the agency spends its money.