A free multimedia exhibit confronting how Washington courts saddle people with debt long after their prison sentences end is now on view at the Seattle Public Library's Central Library, through Sunday, July 26.
"Living with Conviction: Sentenced to Debt for Life in Washington State" fills the Level 8 Gallery with photographic portraits and personal stories of formerly incarcerated people navigating court-imposed Legal Financial Obligations, or LFOs. In Washington, those fines and fees accrue interest at 12% from the date of sentencing, meaning debt grows while a person is still behind bars.
A 2019 study by the Washington State Minority and Justice Commission found that courts imposed roughly $223 million in LFOs over a three-year period but collected only about $11.5 million.
The exhibit is produced by Living with Conviction, a Seattle-based nonprofit that partners with formerly incarcerated communities on research, storytelling, and legal empowerment. The show previously traveled to the Spokane Public Library and opened at the Central Library in April with an evening reception. According to the Seattle Public Library's Instagram, the exhibit is also on display at the Green Lake Branch gallery, the first exhibit shown in that branch's space.
No tickets or registration required. The Central Library is at 1000 Fourth Ave. Hours are Monday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Tuesday through Thursday 10 a.m.–8 p.m. The exhibit closes Sunday, July 26.
