**Community and Empowerment: The Rosebuds Reading Collective at Rikers Island**
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/julia-fox-nora-fried-rosebuds-reading-collective-carnival-101426-1-a-d6456817e1b849f1aefabdce744da27f.jpg)
In recent years, the Rosebuds Reading Collective has emerged as a beacon of hope and creativity for incarcerated women at Rikers Island. Founded by Nora Fried in February 2025, the initiative seeks to create a community through the power of literature and creative writing. The collective’s offerings include book clubs and writing workshops, fostering a safe and supportive environment for women navigating the challenges of their circumstances.
Angela Winston, 37, is one of many women who have experienced the positive impact of the collective. During her eleven-month incarceration, she described the book club as “a free, safe space for us.” Now, as a mother living in a treatment facility, Winston maintains her engagement with reading and writing—practices she attributes to her time with Rosebuds. “It significantly made my time in custody more comfortable,” she said, highlighting the group’s role in her journey toward personal growth.
Fried’s inspiration for Rosebuds stemmed from a personal desire to contribute meaningfully to her community. Amid her own struggles, including a focus on sobriety, she sought ways to support others in the New York City area. Reading had become an escape for her, as she delved into works like Julia Fox’s memoir, “Down the Drain,” and books by influential authors. A pivotal conversation with a friend led Fried to conceive the idea of establishing a book club behind bars—a notion that quickly gained momentum.
Her initial outreach to various criminal justice reform groups resulted in Rikers Island becoming the first facility to express interest. Despite lacking formal experience in running a book club, Fried leveraged her skills as a stand-up comedian to engage the women. By the end of the first year, the modest group had expanded, welcoming increasing numbers of participants eager for exploration through literature.
Julia Fox joined Fried in 2026, adding a complementary dynamic to the leadership. Described by Fried as a “big dreamer,” Fox’s involvement has enriched the collective, and her connection to the mission grew after experiencing the impact of the book club firsthand. Although new to Rikers, Fox had witnessed the dehumanising effects of incarceration through relationships with individuals who had been incarcerated. This personal connection fuelled her desire to engage with the women at Rikers.
Meetings held every other week consist of book discussions followed by creative writing workshops, with Fox leading the latter. Attendance numbers have surged, reflecting the significant demand for this outlet. The women actively participate in selecting their reading materials, thereby creating a sense of agency within a controlled environment. Fried emphasises the importance of offering choices to these women, many of whom face limitations in their daily lives.
The response from the participants has been overwhelmingly positive. Fried observes how literature serves not only as a form of escape but also as a means for self-discovery and transformation. “Watching women relate to books and find a new version of themselves through literature is beautiful,” Fried stated, reiterating her belief in the power of reading as a path to healing.
In addition to the group’s work with the inmates, there has been a notable shift in interactions with correctional staff. With officers also participating in discussions about literature, a unique bridge has been built between those detained and those who enforce the rules of the facility. Fried acknowledges this interaction as a crucial step towards fostering understanding within the prison environment.
Rosebuds’ growth has been propelled through grassroots fundraising efforts, and on October 8th, 2026, the nonprofit hosted its first carnival fundraiser at the Elizabeth Street Garden. With a focus not only on supporting literature and Rosebuds but also benefitting the local community, the event underscores the initiative’s commitment to broader social responsibility.
Looking ahead, Fried and Fox have ambitious plans to expand Rosebuds to six new locations by the beginning of the year, including juvenile detention centres and women’s correctional facilities throughout New York City. This expansion signals a significant milestone for the collective, and they recognise the need for additional staffing to support their growth.
Beyond the immediate horizons, the duo envisions a national presence for Rosebuds, hoping to replicate its success in various states across the country. As they embark on new partnerships, such as the one with the Brooklyn Children’s Museum, they aspire to facilitate meaningful connections within families affected by incarceration.
“The goal is to ensure that everyone has access to Rosebuds,” Fried enthused, capturing the spirit of an initiative that is not merely about reading but about empowerment, community, and resilience. With plans for future projects reaching far beyond Rikers Island, the Rosebuds Reading Collective embodies the transformative power of literature in overcoming life’s adversities.