Read letters from individual prisoners asking for books and pull requested books

Save to Favorites

About Books to Prisons - Alabama

Location:

2209 11th St., Tuscaloosa, AL 35401, US

Mission Statement

Our mission is to provide literature to prisoners who request books to read while they are incarcerated. We work tirelessly to fulfill the request of prisoners to further their knowledge, intrigue their curiosity and provide a retreat into a world of fiction. As a group of volunteers dedicated to helping prisoners prepare for life after prison, we send both books that help them prepare for their future as well as broaden their horizon and introduce them to an unknown world. By dedicating just a few hours a week to packing, shipping and reading letters, the volunteers help bring a little sunshine into the dark lives of the men and women incarcerated in the United States.

Description

Books to Prisons - Alabama was formed in 2009 as a partner group to the D.C. Area Books to Prisons Project, which has been active since 1999. Both groups provide free (donated) reading material in response to inmates’ letters. Our work is done solely on donated time and resources. We operate out of a house provided by Bailey Tabernacle CME Church in downtown Tuscaloosa. Most packages contain 3 - 5 books with the postage per package approximately $3.75. Postage fees are our only expense. We have been able to mail over 1600 package to inmates in response to their letters.

This simple project continues to humble and amaze us. We are deeply appreciative of this opportunity to share books, promote literacy and possibly enable someone to have a better chance at life outside the confines of prison.

We are always in need of donated books, mailing tape and volunteers. Our main fundraiser is offering cookbooks, vintage and autographed books at the River Market and Vintage Mart several times a year. As per guidelines in our 501 (c)(3), we are not allowed to sell any books so we ask for donations for the books we offer.

We want to spread the word about our organization in hopes of getting new volunteers, book donations and perhaps some financial support.

Thank you for supporting literacy outreach to prisons.