Donate to Books Behind Bars!

Please consider making a donation to Books Behind Bars! Check your bookshelf for a novel you don't need anymore, or search your attic for that box of old books you've been meaning to throw out. We are a small, student-run initiative, so donations are what help us make an impact!

How do I donate?

To donate, just send a message below or email me at thebibliophilicpenguin@gmail.com with the subject line BOOKS BEHIND BARS. Let me know how many books you will be sending and what genre they are (if they are mixed, just say mixed). Then package your book(s) and send the package to the address you will be sent. Remember to follow The Bibliophilic Penguin so that you can be recognized for your contribution!

What should I donate?

Great question! Prisons are very strict about the type of books they will allow in their libraries.

Generally, these books are allowed and encouraged:

Dictionaries (English and English/Spanish)
Adult detective and crime fiction
Young adult fiction, especially fantasy and dystopian book series
Nonfiction that has been published within the past five (5) years
Children's picture books
Comic books and manga

These books are NOT allowed:

Hardcover volumes
Excessively violent, graphic, or otherwise inappropriate novels
Encyclopedias
Magazines and other non-book items (excluding comic books and manga)

If you aren't sure whether your book is acceptable for donation, please contact me at thebibliophilicpenguin@gmail.com with subject line BOOKS BEHIND BARS.

How else can I get involved?

Books Behind Bars also collects books through book drives in partnership with local establishments. If you are interested in holding a book drive at your school, library, or community center, please contact the email below. We would be thrilled to work with you!