Since 1975, the U.S. rate of incarceration has gone up over 450%; According to U.S. Department of Justice data: from 1978 to 1996, the number of violent offenders doubled, the number of non-violent offenders tripled, and the number of drug offenders increased sevenfold.
The Books to Prisoners Project
Books To Prisoners Ottawa was initiated by OPIRG-Carleton members who were inspired by the prison activism of other PIRGs, especially those in Montreal. Our aim was to utilize the resources of the Ottawa community - namely, books - and deliver the donations to prisoners who have requested reading materials. This project ties together research regarding prison regulations, programming, and accessibility; education of the public about these conditions; and action, in the form of getting books to the prisoners. It is a great way to get involved in Ottawa's activism community.
Where do the books come from?
All of our books are donated from folks in the Ottawa area. We receive thousands of books from students, professors and community members, and have also forged relationships with Ottawa bookstores.
Where do the books go?
The books are mailed out to prisoners in Canada and the U.S., according to requests that have been mailed to our group. We send boxes to Canadian penitentiaries, prisons, and the Ottawa Carleton Detention Centre (OCDC). We also send books to individual prisoners who contact us by mail, and try to match requests as best as possible. While we do not always have exact titles, we try to provide materials that are similar to the original request.
How can I get involved? Come to a meeting! We have business meetings where we plan events and packing meetings where we pack up books and write letters to prisoners.
Our project is always evolving and taking in new and diverse ideas. Though the technical aspects of mailing books must be strictly followed with great attention to detail, due to the highly regulated flow of materials into prisons, the work we do is very open. We are always looking for new ideas, creative energy and enthusiasm.
We practice a mandate of anti-oppression and maintain a harassment-free area. Our space is accessible by the wheelchair lift from the 2nd floor stairway adjacent to Porter Hall.
Email books2prisoners@hotmail.com to find out when our next meeting is.
What about Donations?
We are in great need of paperback fiction as well as paperback dictionaries and thesauruses. However, any book you may be able to donate would be useful as we conduct pay-by-donation booksales, usually once per semester, in the Atrium at Carleton.
Financially, we are always in need of funds, primarily for mailing costs, but also for office supplies and other things like envelopes and photocopying. If you would like to make a donation please contact us via email: books2prisoners@hotmail.com
