This paper investigates the role libraries play in American juvenile detention centers. An overview of facilities and services nation-wide is followed by survey results from three specific institutions: King County Youth Service Center in Washington, Contra Costa County Juvenile Hall in California, and Pima County Juvenile Detention Center in Arizona. The surveys were administered to minors at all three centers and faculty and probation staff at two. The literature review analysis and survey results reveal that reading habits and behavior of the majority of detained youth have benefited from having a library on-site which they can visit on a regular basis. However, further research is needed to determine whether there is a quantifiable improvement in test scores or recidivism rates.