From Ventura County Probation Agency. 

VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. —​ March 16, 2026 — The Ventura County Probation Agency and the Ventura County Library have launched an innovative partnership to bring tailored library services directly into the County’s Juvenile Facilities through the new Next Chapter Library. This pilot initiative marks a significant step toward expanding educational access and literacy opportunities for youth under custodial supervision.

Situated at 4333 Vineyard Avenue in Oxnard, the Juvenile Facilities campus operates on a 45-acre site and houses both detention and commitment units for youth up to 25 years of age. Built in 2003, the complex includes classrooms, recreational spaces, a gymnasium, and various programs designed to support rehabilitation and personal development. Youth residents receive educational instruction through the Ventura County Office of Education’s Providence School program, counseling and behavioral health services, vocational and enrichment opportunities, and other structured activities aimed at reducing recidivism and promoting positive outcomes. 

Recognizing literacy as a critical building block for success, staff from both agencies identified a need to enhance access to reading materials, structured learning support, and culturally relevant resources for justice-involved youth. Literacy and library engagement play a vital role in improving life outcomes, including employability, academic readiness, and community engagement, factors that research links to lower rates of future justice involvement. National data indicate that a significant portion of adults in California perform at or below basic literacy levels and that literacy challenges are particularly acute among incarcerated populations. 

This pilot initiative, launched in alignment with the County’s strategic framework of supporting basic needs and strengthening the safety net for vulnerable residents, will establish a dedicated library and learning space inside the juvenile campus. The effort builds on existing educational programming and introduces additional opportunities for individualized reading support, literacy tutoring, and access to a diverse collection of materials selected to meet a range of developmental and academic interests.

On June 24, 2025, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution approving an agreement between the Library and the Probation Agency to formalize the partnership and outline its operational goals. With implementation now underway, agencies are preparing for a community event in late March to officially open the space and celebrate the collaborative effort.

“Expanding access to books, learning opportunities, and literacy supports for youth in our care reflects the fundamental belief that education is transformative,” said Chief Ron Miller of the Ventura County Probation Agency.

“Our Agency is committed to public safety and community well-being, and this partnership demonstrates how shared resources can help young people find confidence, develop essential skills, and prepare for a future beyond incarceration. Together with the County Library, we are creating meaningful opportunities for growth, because when we lift up our youth, we strengthen our communities.”

“Studies show that young people with limited literacy skills are more likely to become involved in the juvenile justice system, and they often experience greater obstacles and poorer outcomes after their release,” said Ventura County Library Director Nancy Schram. “Literacy plays a vital role in shaping a young person’s future, influencing not only their academic success but also their social and economic prospects. We appreciate that Chief Miller and his team have prioritized bringing the Next Chapter Library to this facility.”

An official ribbon-cutting celebration for the Next Chapter Library will occur in late March, marking the launch of this new service and the culmination of joint efforts to expand educational access for justice-involved youth throughout Ventura County.

Contact: Sam Cortez, Public Information Officer, sam.cortez@venturacounty.gov

###