How to Solicit Free Books for Inmates

Giving books to inmates can encourage them and offer a way for self-improvement

Inmates are often in need of encouragement and guidance, and if they're not receiving frequent visits, they can benefit from reading books while incarcerated. Books can motivate them to become more responsible, mature and hopeful people once they leave prison. Before sending books to inmates, it would be a good idea to contact the prisons in your city and find out what types of reading materials are allowed there. When sorting through books, make sure that they're in good condition and that they serve an educational benefit to the inmates.

Instructions

1. Get books from your friends and relatives. For example, if you're looking specifically for books which will help prisoners complete their General Equivalency Degree (GED) test and your relatives have some math and English books that they no longer need, ask if you can give those books to the inmates as study materials.

2. Write letters to book publishers. In the letters, talk about your organization and mention that you're interested in receiving donations of books so you can provide inmates in your city with quality books that will both entertain and educate them. Also discuss what types of books you're interested in and how many you need.

3. Hold a book drive at your public library. Meet with the library director and discuss your desire to provide inmates with educational books. Ask if you can hold a drive where city residents and community leaders can drop off books for you to give to inmates. Discuss how long the drive will be and create large posters and bring them to hospitals, universities, bookstores, public parks and supermarkets. After the drive ends, write a letter to the library director stating your appreciation for his support of your efforts.

References

• Tallahassee Democrat: Inmates Earn Their GEDs