Books Through Bars NYC is an all volunteer collective which helps prisoners nationwide get access to the written word. BTB operates out of our basement and in addition to seeking book, stamp, and financial donations, they welcome individuals to help with the collection of books, processing of letters, and packaging for shipment. If you wish to help out in one of those areas, particularly regarding large book donations, it is best to email them at [email protected].
Please note: Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and in accordance with social distancing recommendations, NYC Books Through Bars is suspending volunteer sessions as of March 12 in order to protect the health of our communities. This is a difficult decision, as it will reduce our ability to send books to incarcerated people at a time they may need them most. Some of our collective members will try to fulfill requests as best we're able until open volunteer sessions can resume. We are mindful of the special risk that COVID-19 presents for people who are locked up and hope you will follow us on social media for ways to advocate in solidarity during this time. We will share updates when we have any via social media and our website.
BTB unfortunately cannot accept all book donations, and NO HARDCOVERS. For a full list of their most sought after genres as well as restrictions, go here. But this is a quick overview of the greatest hits they never stop needing:
Please note: Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and in accordance with social distancing recommendations, NYC Books Through Bars is suspending volunteer sessions as of March 12 in order to protect the health of our communities. This is a difficult decision, as it will reduce our ability to send books to incarcerated people at a time they may need them most. Some of our collective members will try to fulfill requests as best we're able until open volunteer sessions can resume. We are mindful of the special risk that COVID-19 presents for people who are locked up and hope you will follow us on social media for ways to advocate in solidarity during this time. We will share updates when we have any via social media and our website.
BTB unfortunately cannot accept all book donations, and NO HARDCOVERS. For a full list of their most sought after genres as well as restrictions, go here. But this is a quick overview of the greatest hits they never stop needing:
- African-American history, especially 20th century
- Native-American history
- Latin-American history
- Social sciences
- Comic books
- How-to (drawing, origami, chess, knitting, sign language…)
- Mayan and Aztec history
- Memoirs and fiction by people of color
- Mythology
- Dictionaries, thesauruses, GED studies, atlases
- Language studies
- Sudoko/puzzles (not written in)
- Guides to starting a business
- Yoga and pilates guides
- Mass-market mysteries, thrillers, sci-fi