Free Books Educational Materials And Spiritual Resources For People In Prison

Dec. 13, 2025, 1:03 p.m.

Tags: prison

For individuals incarcerated in the United States, access to educational and spiritual resources can play a transformative role in their personal growth and future success. Numerous organizations and programs have emerged to provide free books, study materials, and other supportive resources to people in prison, recognizing the power of literacy and learning in reducing recidivism and fostering self-improvement. These initiatives are often driven by community volunteers, nonprofit organizations, and charitable foundations that aim to support incarcerated individuals through reading and self-education.

This article provides a detailed overview of several notable programs and services that offer free books and educational materials to people in prison. The focus is on U.S.-based initiatives that have been established to promote literacy, provide access to essential learning tools, and encourage spiritual development while incarcerated. The information presented is based exclusively on the content provided in the source materials, ensuring factual accuracy and transparency.

Free Book Programs for People in Prison

Several organizations operate book programs that provide free books to incarcerated individuals across the United States. These programs are often run as nonprofit initiatives that rely on donations, volunteer efforts, and partnerships with other organizations to sustain their operations and reach more people in prison.

Books to Prisoners

Books to Prisoners (BTP) is a Seattle-based nonprofit organization that was originally founded as a project of Left Bank Books in the 1970s. The mission of BTP is to foster a love of reading among incarcerated individuals, encourage the pursuit of knowledge, and help break the cycle of recidivism by providing access to books. Each month, BTP receives approximately 1,000 requests for books and strives to send 1–3 books to each person who requests them.

The program operates primarily through donations, both in the form of books and financial contributions. The organization has a particular need for paperback books, as they are the only type that can be sent to prisons. Certain categories of books are especially in demand, including dictionaries, black studies, Latino history, self-help legal books, and titles written in Spanish.

In addition to Seattle, BTP has associate organizations in Portland, Olympia, and Spokane, which provide additional opportunities for volunteers and donors to support the cause. The program also collaborates with other groups that promote prisoner literacy and social justice, further expanding its reach and impact.

Everyman Foundation Free Books

The Everyman Foundation offers free books specifically designed to help incarcerated individuals use their time in prison for spiritual growth, self-reflection, and personal development. These books are available to prisoners, as well as to their families and loved ones. The foundation’s publications include works on meditation, prayer, contemplation, and other spiritual practices that can be performed within the confines of a prison environment.

One notable title is Every Place Can Be a Holy Place by Gerald Henry, which provides practical guidance on how to maintain a disciplined spiritual practice while incarcerated. Another key resource is Julia Cameron’s Morning Pages, which outlines a method of daily journaling that has been credited with helping many individuals process their thoughts and emotions during their time in prison.

These books are intended to help incarcerated individuals find meaning and purpose in their time behind bars and to support their emotional and spiritual well-being. The foundation emphasizes that inner growth is possible even in the most challenging circumstances and encourages readers to use the tools provided to cultivate a sense of peace and joy.

Prison Library Project (PLP)

The Prison Library Project (PLP) is another initiative that provides books and educational resources to people in prison. The organization focuses on supporting incarcerated individuals who are engaged in educational programs or seeking to improve their literacy skills. One of the PLP’s primary goals is to provide dictionaries, thesauri, and GED study guides, as these are essential tools for anyone pursuing education or self-study.

Due to restrictions in many states, the PLP is required to purchase new dictionaries rather than accepting used ones. This has led to a high demand for financial support to cover the costs of these materials. According to the PLP, inmates who complete educational programs have a 43% lower rate of recidivism, highlighting the importance of providing access to learning resources.

In addition to books, the PLP also produces a self-published legal reference and a resource list that connects incarcerated individuals with other prison book programs and services. These materials are designed to help people in prison navigate the challenges they face and access the support they need to succeed.

Accessing Free Books and Educational Materials

For individuals who want to request free books or educational materials for themselves or others in prison, there are several options available. Most programs require a complete name and mailing address to process a request, and some also offer digital access through platforms like the Edovo app, which is used by over 1,200 facilities across the country.

Requesting Free Books

To request free books for an incarcerated individual, donors and volunteers can contact the respective organizations directly. For example, the Humankindness Foundation (HKF) allows individuals to send requests to [email protected], providing the name and address of the person who will receive the books. HKF also sends books in bulk to facilities for use in prison libraries and educational programs.

Books to Prisoners also accepts book requests and encourages donors to send paperback books that align with the needs of incarcerated individuals. The program has specific needs for books related to black studies, Latino history, and self-help legal guides, and it also welcomes donations of dictionaries and Spanish-language titles.

Donating Books and Resources

Donating books and other resources is another way to support these programs. Many organizations accept book donations from individuals and occasionally from publishers and authors who are willing to contribute. The Books to Prisoners program, for example, accepts donated books that are in good condition and relevant to the interests of incarcerated individuals.

In some cases, donors can also contribute financially to help cover the costs of postage and purchasing new books. The Prison Library Project, for instance, allocates a significant portion of its donations to postage, which is necessary for sending books to prisons across the country. Financial contributions also help the PLP purchase dictionaries, GED study guides, and other educational materials that are in high demand.

Electronic Access to Resources

As more prisons adopt tablet-based learning systems, some organizations have expanded their efforts to provide digital resources. For example, the Humankindness Foundation has made many of its books and newsletters available through the Edovo app, which is used by over 970,000 residents in correctional facilities across the United States. This digital access allows incarcerated individuals to continue their education and personal development even in facilities where traditional books may be limited.

Key Considerations for Requesting and Donating

When requesting or donating books to people in prison, it is important to consider the specific rules and guidelines of each program. For example, most programs do not accept hardcover books, as they are more expensive to mail and may not be allowed in all prisons. Additionally, some programs require that books be donated rather than provided directly by an individual, as this helps ensure that the materials are appropriate and suitable for the recipient.

The Everyman Foundation, for example, does not accept requests for books to be sent from a personal donor. Instead, individuals are encouraged to make requests through the foundation, which will then send the appropriate materials on their behalf. This helps maintain consistency in the quality and relevance of the books that are distributed.

Similarly, the Prison Library Project has a specific process for handling book donations and requests. Donors are not allowed to send books directly to an incarcerated individual; instead, the books must be sent to the PLP, which will then distribute them according to need. This ensures that the books are available to as many people as possible and that they are used in the most effective way.

The Role of Community and Volunteer Support

The success of these programs is largely due to the support of the community and the efforts of volunteers who are dedicated to helping incarcerated individuals. Many of these programs rely on the generosity of individuals who donate books, time, and financial resources to sustain their operations.

Volunteers play a crucial role in organizing book donations, sorting and preparing materials for mailing, and managing requests from people in prison. Some programs also offer opportunities for individuals to get involved through local chapters or associate organizations, which provide additional ways to contribute and support the cause.

In addition to direct donations, community members can also help by spreading awareness of these programs and encouraging others to get involved. By supporting these initiatives, individuals can help ensure that incarcerated people have access to the resources they need to learn, grow, and succeed after their release.

Conclusion

Access to free books and educational materials can have a profound impact on the lives of people in prison. These resources not only support personal and spiritual growth but also help reduce recidivism and improve long-term outcomes for incarcerated individuals. Through the efforts of organizations like Books to Prisoners, the Everyman Foundation, and the Prison Library Project, incarcerated individuals are able to continue their education and pursue self-improvement while behind bars.

For those who wish to support these programs, there are several options available, including donating books, making financial contributions, and volunteering time to help with distribution and outreach. By working together, individuals and communities can help ensure that incarcerated people have access to the tools they need to succeed and reintegrate into society.