The Inside Books Project (IBP) receives written letters from inmates requesting books and resource guides. The books IBP sends back become the personal property of the prisoner who requested them. In 2012, IBP received over 12,000 requests and sent out over 20,000 free books to inmates.
Luisa Morales:
“This organization is very unique because you are giving inmates the opportunity to learn. You are helping those that have been forgotten not only by society but by their family and friends. I enjoy volunteering at Inside Books Project because you leave knowing that an individual’s day will be brightened once they receive their free books.”
Marcelo Urieta-Bravo:
“I look forward to volunteering at Inside Books Project because I get to help promote literacy among inmates around Texas. Spanish is my native language, so one thing that I really enjoy is helping this organization better assist Spanish-speaking inmates by reading and answering letters written in Spanish.”
spotlight:
service
the inside book project with austin community college circle k
During each volunteer session, dozens of volunteers learn about the hopes and challenges of Texas inmates from personally reading each and every letter the organization receives (which is about 1,000 every month!). They are the only nonprofit in Texas that provides this type of service. In Texas alone, there are over 140,000 prisoners.
While searching for ways to help out the community, Austin Community College’s CKI chapter stumbled upon the Inside Book Project’s website, and decided to get involved. Many of our members share the belief that every person has the right to quality reading and educational materials, no matter their current situation. We believe that reading, learning, and self-expression are invaluable opportunities that are too often denied to inmates.