In the US, 1 percent of the nation’s adults are incarcerated, which is the highest rate in the world. Commonly, incarcerated individuals have very limited access to books or other educational resources, as many institutions lack the funding to provide them.
DC Books to Prisons is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1999, which sends both free books to incarcerated individuals and works to develop libraries within prisons. This organization operates in over 34 states including Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. They deliver more than 7,000 book packages annually to over 600 state and federal prisons in the country. Through developing these literacy programs, DC Books has had a major impact on incarcerated individuals.
Testimonials have been given from those across the country who have participated in the program, noting that DC Books has “changed countless lives” and “transformed [a] mis-formed negative mentality.” According to the National Coalition Against Censorship, giving incarcerated individuals access to books can be truly crucial to reducing recidivism rates and provide individuals with a greater chance of getting a job after their release from prison. Additionally, reading can provide them with a sense of hope, connection, as well as an escape from their environment. DC Books to Prisons is working to provide this important service to prisons that could make a major difference in the lives of those who are incarcerated and, through preventing recidivism through literacy, can contribute to lowering our nation’s incarceration rate.
DC Books to Prisons solely operates off of volunteers and donations. Although their volunteer space is limited due to the pandemic, this organization is in need of monetary and book donations in order to maintain their programs. Please see the links below in order to contribute to this organization through donations and other ways to get involved.
References
“Books behind Bars: The Right to Read in Prison.” National Coalition Against Censorship,
6 Jan. 2020, https://ncac.org/news/books-behind-bars-the-right-to-read-in-prison.
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