The Prison Library Project
In far too many prisons, books are treated as a privilege instead of a basic right. For someone behind bars, a book isn't just paper and ink - it’s a way to study for a GED, a tool to learn a new trade, or a quiet escape during a long day.
We started in 1973 with a simple goal: to make sure that being incarcerated doesn't mean being cut off from the world of reading and learning.
Our History
The Prison Library Project began in 1973. Founded by Ram Dass and Bo Lozoff in Durham, North Carolina, the project was created to provide books and educational materials to people behind bars.
In 1985, the project moved to Claremont under the leadership of our founding director, Rick Moore. Since then, we have grown steadily, officially becoming a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 1993.
Today, the Prison Library Project operates out of The Claremont Forum Bookshop in the historic Claremont Packing House. What started as a small effort is now one of the largest books-to-prisoners programs in the country - all thanks to the commitment of hundreds of neighbors and volunteers who give their time to the project.
What We Do
The Prison Library Project is a busy program. Every week, we receive over 500 letters from people in more than 400 state and federal prisons and detention centers across the country.
To meet this need, we mail out over 30,000 books each year. While most of these go directly to individuals, we also send larger collections to prison librarians, educators, and chaplains to help build up their own onsite resources. It’s a massive logistical effort, but it’s one we’re proud to lead from our home in Claremont.
Ways to Support the Project
Help Us With Postage
Sending out 30,000 books a year is a major undertaking. Our annual postage costs are over $40,000, and that number continues to grow as we reach more readers. Every dollar donated to our Postage Drive goes directly toward the cost of getting books into the hands of those who need them.
Donate Books
Every Book Counts You don’t need to clear out a whole collection to help. In fact, some of our most impactful donations are just one or two books - like a spare dictionary, a GED study guide, or a favorite paperback. If you have a couple of quality books that could help someone learn a new skill or find a bit of peace, please consider dropping them off.
Where to Give We gladly accept new or used books from individuals, publishers, and booksellers.
Our Wishlists
We often receive requests asking for very specific books that don't usually show up in our regular donations. Sometimes it’s a specialized trade manual, a specific language dictionary, or a book about dealing with life after incarceration. Your wishlist purchases really make a difference. We encourage purchases through bookshop.org - but you can also find us on Amazon.