SAN FRANCISCO — San Francisco Public Library (SFPL), in partnership with the Returning Citizens Association, invites you to a celebration of authors and artists who have been incarcerated or impacted by the criminal legal system. 

In recognition of its second issue of Tapped-In Magazine, the Returning Citizens Association (RCA) is showcasing an afternoon of performances, storytelling and an exhibition of visual art by system-impacted people at the San Francisco Main Library. Tapped-In Magazine is the creative side of RCA, an Oakland-based nonprofit that aims to provide a holistic approach to reentry, addressing the various challenges that the formerly incarcerated face in their transition back into society. RCA’s main feature is their virtual weekly non-clinical mental health support group, which focuses on harm reduction, reentry support and educational workshops. Tapped-In Magazine, which will be available at the event, features moving testimonials and visual art that speak to personal growth and resilience. 

In addition to the exhibition and performances, the event features a Book Fair for authors who have been incarcerated or whose lives have been negatively impacted by incarceration. Featuring self-help books, memoirs, children’s books and fiction, the Book Fair is an opportunity to spotlight authors who have written and published with little to no institutional support. “It’s rare for people inside jails and prisons to have the chance to share their artwork and writing with those of us outside,” said Rachel Kinnon, SFPL’s Jail and Reentry Services Manager. “The Library is for everybody in our community, and we welcome the opportunity to share art and books made by system-impacted people, often under extremely challenging conditions.” 

The Book Fair will also feature formerly incarcerated writers who have received widespread recognition for their work, such as Earlonne Woods, co-host and co-creator of the award-winning podcast, Ear Hustle. Woods said, “Being creative inside prison — be it arts, creative writing, media, audio, video — it allows individuals to think outside of the box, and it helps them to visualize what their future could be, because it’s in their hands.”  

Ricky Gaines, Executive Director of the Returning Citizens Association, said, “Tapped-In Magazine is more than a publication—it’s a platform for transformation, resilience and empowerment. It gives system-impacted individuals the opportunity to share their stories, art and voices with the world. Through this magazine, we’re not just telling stories, we’re rewriting narratives and breaking down barriers. On March 29, we will celebrate creativity, growth and the human spirit, and I’m honored to be part of a movement that uplifts and supports those who have been impacted by the criminal legal system.”  

Don’t miss the chance to celebrate this unique magazine, artists and authors.  

Tapped-In Magazine Exhibition + Book Fair — March 29, 2–5 p.m., San Francisco Main Library, Latino/Hispanic Room