News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 2, 2026

The New York City Department of Correction Reopens Library and Clothing Boutique

Access to the library and boutique was temporarily restricted due to operational needs following an influx in the population in 2025.

EAST ELMHURST, NY — The New York City Department of Correction (DOC) announced today that it reopened a beloved library and clothing boutique at the Rose M. Singer Center on Rikers Island.

“Transformation is possible when we reflect on how we present ourselves and what we surround ourselves with — like the books that we read. Books and clothing can open doors, build confidence, expand imaginations, and help us see new possibilities for ourselves,” said NYC Correction Commissioner Stanley Richards. “Bringing these resources back to the Rose M. Singer Center creates pathways for growth, and I hope the people in our care find them supportive and enriching.”

The Rose Petal Boutique and the Rose M. Singer Center library were relocated in 2025 due to operational needs driven by an influx in the amount of people in custody. That increase was primarily the result of delays in transferring individuals to state custody during a staffing crisis at the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. The new space allows for a library that includes hundreds of books, a dedicated location for programming provided by the city’s libraries and community providers, reading nooks, and a reopened boutique where women can select up to three outfits that support their reentry and transition back home.

“We firmly believe in the change that occurs when we invest in people and in our community,” said Deputy Commissioner of the Division of Programs and Community Partnerships Nell Colón. “Adding a new space for transcendence through reading, engagement with community providers, and a boutique to set women up for successful reentry matters. It is this investment, this possibility for change, that is the foundation of our work and our values.”

The Rose M. Singer Center is a facility that provides housing and services for women and transgender, gender nonconforming, nonbinary, and intersex (TGNBI) people in custody. The facility also includes a nursery program. RMSC is named after an original member of the New York City Board of Correction.

**B-roll available upon request**

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The New York City Department of Correction (DOC) is dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment while providing individuals in our care with a path to successfully re-enter their communities.