Ward County says they want to help inmates after they've been released from jail by teaching them how to get back into the workforce.

"For those people that are here for a greater length of time, this is their opportunity to try and better themselves a little bit, and get their feet on the ground. We want to offer them that chance at least," said Ward County Sheriff Bob Barnard.

That's where Main Street Books comes in.

The bookshop is selling books to the jail. Sentenced inmates can use the books to learn various labor trades, from carpentry to manufacturing to construction.

"I had access to lots of books and I knew publishers well. So I was able too, with his help, recommend some books," said Main Street Books owner Val Stadick.

Inmates not only learn trade skills, but also how to write resumes, find jobs, and prepare for interviews.

"We're also giving them the skills to write the resumes, to go out and find the work. Maybe there will be some explaining to why they've been away from the workforce for so long," said Stadick.

Barnard says they hope this program can help cut down on the cycle of inmates returning to criminal activity upon release.

The program is open for more long-term inmates, rather than ones incarcerated briefly for minor offenses.

The inmates learn the trades over a six-week period.