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Prison Book Program http://www.prisonbookprogram.org
Prison Book Program
1306 Hancock Street
Suite 100
Quincy, MA 02169Map thisPrison Book Program provides prisoners with free reading materials. With prisoners isolated in facilities that have chronically insufficient educational opportunities, we provide these materials to improve their lives and greatly reduce the likelihood of their return to the prison system.
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Books to PrisonersThe primary work of the Prison Book Program is mailing books to prisoners. Prisoners simply have to send us a letter and we will send them books.
Volunteers read letters, select appropriate books and package them for shipping. If you like hanging out at bookstores, you will love this work! It is also a unique opportunity to touch the lives of people who are super-appreciative of your efforts.
Select and Mail Books to Prisoners Tuesday, September 01, 2009 - Friday, December 31, 2010Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:30 - 9:00 pm
Do you want to directly touch the lives of prisoners around the country? We constantly need help filling prisoner book requests. The work is simple and fulfilling: read a letter from a prisoner, find some books in our library and package them for mailing. Other work may include processing book donations, opening mail and more. All work is done at our office in Quincy, not in a prison.
If you would like to help, just come by our office and we'll get you started. There's no need to sign up ahead of time unless you would like to bring a group of six or more. In that case, please contact us ahead of time so that we can plan accordingly.
We are in the United First Parish Church at 1306 Hancock Street in Quincy (across from the Quincy Center T stop). Please use the basement door on Temple Street across from the \"Quincy Market\" convenience store.
Tyvek or tear-proof envelopesThe Prison Book Program mails out over 6000 packages of books every year. Tyvek or similar tear-proof mailing envelopes make the job of packing books faster and ensures the books arrive in good condition. Anything approximately 9x12\" or larger would be greatly appreciated!
Paperback DictionariesDictionaries are by far the most popular request we get. For the huge percentage of the prison population who possess low literacy skills, a dictionary is the difference between understanding the book you're reading and not. It's the key to educating and improving yourself while in prison.
If you have one dictionary or a palate-load, please consider donating them to the Prison Book Program.
Because most prisons do not allow us to send hardcovers, we can only accept paperbacks.
Paperback Books*** We'll accept any books at our 3rd Annual Community Book Drive on October 3rd - see the events section or www.prisonbookprogram.org/bookdrive for more details. ***
We have a constant need for paperback books on the following subjects:
Note: Because of prison regulations and mailing costs, we only accept paperback books at our Quincy office:
GED and basic math/English books
English dictionaries, thesauruses, and foreign language dictionaries
Spanish/English dictionaries and books in Spanish
Almanacs (no older than 2003)
How to start a small business.
Trades: i.e. woodworking, automotive, plumbing, electronics, etc.
Spirituality & Religion: especially Bible concordances & dictionaries, Islam and non-mainstream religions such as Wicca, Paganism, Buddhism, New Age, etc.
Ethnic Studies and History.
Gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender studies
How to draw and art books
Yoga and any exercise that can be done without equipment
Laptop ComputerWe are in dire need of a laptop computer - preferably a Pentium M or better with a wireless ethernet connection. Because prisoners move frequently, we verify the address of each book recipient on the internet. This work is faster with more computers.
