Inmates in Michigan state prisons who want to learn how to design a website, code a computer program or wire a house may find themselves a little light on reading material.

At least 60 books related to computers, electronics and other technology are banned from state prisons for security reasons, according to a list of “restricted publications” Bridge obtained from the Michigan Department of Corrections.

Many of those are introductory or basic technology guidebooks. Among them: “HTML Essentials,” “Programming in Pascal,” “Beginning JavaScript” and even titles like “How Computers Work,” “PCs for Dummies” and “Easy Computing for Seniors.” Some were placed on the list nearly two decades ago; others were added in the last few years.

The technology-related books are just a small portion of the more than 1,100 publications banned from state prisons. Most are barred for sexually explicit content, advocating racist ideologies or instructing readers on DIY weaponry.

The list of banned material also includes acclaimed works of literature:

“Brave New World,” Aldous Huxley (depicts sexual acts between children)

“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” Stieg Larsson (includes descriptions of sexual acts involving children; sadism and bondage)

“Lolita,” Vladimir Nabokov (threat to the order and security of the institution; depicts sexual acts involving minor children)

“The Lovely Bones,” Alice Sebold (threat to the order and security of the institution; depicts rape and murder of girl)

Lovely Bones,” Alice Sebold (threat to the order and security of the institution; depicts rape and murder of girl) “Vanishing Acts,” Jodi Picoult (threat to the order and security of the institution; contains instructions to manufacture weapons and make alcohol)

Among other books listed as security threats:

“Stock Investing for Dummies,” Paul Mladjenovic (threat to the order and security of the institution; provides instruction on the commission of criminal activity)

“The Art of War,” Sun Tzu (threat to the order and security institution; describes war tactics)

“An Egyptian Hieroglyphic Dictionary,” E.A. Wallis Budge (threat to the order and security of the institution)

“Atlas of the World,” Oxford University Press (maps, threat to safety/security of institution)

“Bruce Lee: The Biography,” Robert Clouse (threat to the order and security of institution)

Instructionals on role-playing games such as Dungeons & Dragons and Magic: the Gathering (threat to the order and security of the institution; role play)

But the technology books are what leaves some prison experts perplexed. Banning them creates an additional barrier for inmates trying to reintegrate into society when they leave prison, said Jennifer Cobbina, a professor of criminal justice at Michigan State University and a specialist in prisoner re-entry.

“If we’re going to teach prisoners how to do computer coding, we should probably allow the books that teach them to do that.” — Chris Gautz, spokesman, Michigan Department of Corrections

When they come out of prison, “individuals feel overwhelmed, they feel intimidated, they feel insecure” trying to figure out technology, Cobbina said.

“And there’s certainly a direct correlation with the ability to secure jobs. Everything’s on the Internet, from basic applications to securing employment, even accessing health care, filling out forms.”

See the full list of banned books

Some technology books are banned under a section of department policy that restricts publications that contain “specific information regarding the manufacture or operation of electronic security systems.” Many are cited as a “threat to the order and security of the institution.”