Free Educational And Literary Resources For Incarcerated Individuals

The provision of free books and educational materials to incarcerated individuals is a mission undertaken by several nonprofit organizations across the United States. These groups operate on the belief that access to reading materials is a fundamental tool for rehabilitation, self-empowerment, and breaking the cycle of recidivism. While the term "free stuff for inmates" is often associated with consumer goods, the resources detailed in the provided documentation focus exclusively on literary and educational support. The organizations described—Books to Prisoners, HumanKindness Foundation, Claremont Forum's Prison Library Project, and Prison Book Program—provide these services through mail-in programs and digital platforms, relying on donations and volunteer efforts to fulfill requests from prisoners nationwide.

Books to Prisoners

Books to Prisoners is a Seattle-based nonprofit organization founded in the early 1970s as a project of Left Bank Books. It is described as one of the largest and oldest prison book projects in the country. The organization’s mission is to foster a love of reading behind bars, encourage the pursuit of knowledge and self-empowerment, and break the cycle of recidivism. They view books as tools for learning and for opening minds to new ideas and possibilities.

Operations and Reach

Although headquartered in Seattle, Books to Prisoners operates with three associate organizations: Portland Books Through Bars, Books To Prisoners Olympia, and Books to Prisoners Spokane. These affiliates provide opportunities for volunteers and donors outside of Seattle. The primary function of the organization is to send books to people in prison that spark or support education, vocational training, self-discovery, or a love of reading. They receive approximately 1,000 requests for books each month and strive to respond to every request.

Volunteer and Funding Model

The organization relies heavily on volunteers who fulfill prisoner requests, wrap packages of books to be mailed, and sort donated books. Financially, the bulk of their postage costs is covered by small donations from individual donors. The organization has received recognition for its work, including a 2012 Light a Fire award from Seattle Met magazine, recognition as a Human Rights Leader by the City of Seattle in 2015, and the Sherry Prowda Literary Champion Award from Seattle Arts & Lectures in 2020.

HumanKindness Foundation

The HumanKindness Foundation (HKF) provides free books and newsletters to those who are incarcerated, as well as to prison and jail staff members. In addition to individual requests, HKF sends free books in quantity to facilities in the U.S. for use in their libraries or programs.

Request Process

Individuals or representatives can request free books by sending the complete name and mailing address to [email protected].

Digital Expansion

HKF has expanded its reach through digital platforms. Most of their books are available via the Edovo app, which utilizes tablets used in correctional facilities. As of the documentation, over 1,200 facilities serving over 970,000 residents across the country have partnered with Edovo. HKF is expanding its efforts to make materials available electronically, including recent newsletters, audio, and video content, as more facilities transition to tablet-based systems.

Claremont Forum's Prison Library Project

The Claremont Forum’s Prison Library Project (PLP) is a volunteer-driven program established in 1985. Since its inception, the project has mailed nearly a million books to correctional facilities across the United States. The organization’s mission is to address insufficient literacy skills and limited access to reading materials among incarcerated men and women.

Mission and Philosophy

PLP operates on the belief that unrestricted access to reading is a fundamental human right. They view books as conduits for enlightenment, pleasure, and personal growth. The project aims to alleviate the dehumanizing and isolating effects of incarceration by offering readers a sense of belonging within a compassionate and supportive community.

Educational Resources

Beyond general reading materials, PLP allocates funds specifically for educational resources. In 2022, the organization allocated $2,000 or more for monthly postage. They also purchase specific educational items, including: * Dictionaries * Spanish-English dictionaries * Other ESL resources * GED study guides

The organization also seeks out books that are unique to the experiences of those incarcerated, looking for titles that uplift, encourage, and support prisoners.

Prison Book Program

The Prison Book Program (formerly associated with the Prison Book Project) offers a comprehensive service for incarcerated individuals and their families. The organization serves most federal and state facilities in all 50 states, with specific exceptions noted as of January 2025: they do not serve local or state facilities in Texas, Michigan, or California. Furthermore, the organization notes that even in served jurisdictions, there are individual facilities that will not accept books from their program.

Requesting Books

The Prison Book Program offers an online book request form that can be used by people inside prison or by their family and friends. They encourage requesters to ask for genres rather than specific titles, as their library varies widely depending on donations, and they cannot guarantee specific titles are in stock. While family members can request books on behalf of a loved one, they cannot provide the books directly to the facility.

Inventory and Content

The selection of books depends on what is donated, though the organization also purchases high-demand items. Topics available vary widely, but the reading interests of incarcerated individuals generally mimic those of the general public. Dictionaries are the most popular request, with the program sending out more than 3,000 per year. Other popular titles include: * Thesauri * Small business startup guides * Drawing books * Exercise books * Fiction (all kinds) * Religion

Utility of Books

Books are used for various purposes, including writing letters to family, writing legal appeals, and understanding unfamiliar words in other reading materials. The documentation cites the example of Malcolm X, who famously educated himself by copying words from a dictionary while incarcerated at MCI-Norfolk from 1948 to 1952.

Additional Resources

In addition to books, the Prison Book Program publishes a self-published legal reference, a resource list of organizations that help people in prison, and other booklets covering frequently requested topics.

Sourcing and Funding

Books are primarily donated by individuals, though publishers and authors occasionally donate extra copies. The organization also buys dictionaries, thesauri, and GED study guides in bulk. New books are often purchased through online wish lists. The organization relies on word of mouth, flyers, and media to publicize its services.

Conclusion

The organizations detailed in the provided materials offer vital educational and literary resources to incarcerated individuals across the United States. Through mail-in book requests, digital distribution via apps like Edovo, and the purchase of specific educational tools like dictionaries and GED guides, these groups work to support literacy, legal advocacy, and personal growth. While consumer goods are not part of these specific programs, the free books and resources provided serve as essential tools for empowerment and rehabilitation within the prison system.

Sources

1. Books to Prisoners
2. HumanKindness Foundation
3. Claremont Forum Prison Library Project
4. Prison Book Program