Agency: Prison Book Program

Description:

The Prison Book Program has been supplying individuals and groups of prisoners with quality reading material since 1972. With 2 million people locked up in America’s federal and state prisons and local jails, and with educational programming being drastically cut, the need for the Prison Book Program's services has never been greater. Education is the only tool proven to help prevent people from returning to prison again and again.

Volunteers will read letters from prisoners, fill their book requests, and package the books to be shipped. Attention to detail is a very important component of this project!

Prison Book Program gets over 100 requests for its "We the People" legal primer each month. Originally authored by an ex-offender, this comprehensive legal resource provides essential legal information. Help the Prison Book Program by printing off 5, 10 or 20 copies of "We the People" and bringing the copies next time you visit!

This project is reserved for Boston Cares members who have attended an orientation.

Kid Friendly, 14+. All volunteers under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult over 18 years old.

T-Accessible, Red Line (Quincy Center).

All volunteers under 18 years old must bring a Permission Form signed by a parent or guardian to give to the Project Leader. Please email booyah@bostoncares.org or call 617-422-0910 x206 if you would like to bring youth to this project.

Are you interested in bringing donations with you to this event? Click here to view the Prison Book Program's Wish List.

What Boston Cares members have to say about Select Books for Prisoners at the Prison Book Program:

“It was great. The organizers are warm and helpful. They really prepared me well for the work we were doing, and provided information on the greater problem. I am definitely going back.” ~Nicole Daley

"I really enjoyed by experience with PBP. The leaders were very kind and helpful. The most rewarding part was thinking about the reactions of the prisoners for whom I chose books. I plan to go back as often as my schedule permits!" ~Kimberly Mitchell

Impact Areas: Adult Education and Literacy

Interests: The interests recommended for this project are:
Education, Human Rights & Civil Liberties, Prison Reform

Skills: The skills helpful for participation in this project are:
Working with Adults