Books thru Bars of Ithaca

Books thru Bars of Ithaca is a volunteer-run community-based organization,
that sends books and other reading materials to inmates free of charge
across the country. The organization has a work area on the second floor of
the Autumn Leaves Book Store, 115 The Commons, in Ithaca. Their work area
is self-serve, open to anyone interested in packing books. In their work
area they have step-by-step directions for where to find a letter from an
inmate, how to sort through the books on hand that satisfy the inmate's
requests, how to package the books, and process the letter. You can spend
as much time doing this as you can afford, at any time of day. The process
is worthwhile not only because you are providing a valuable service, but
because you learn a bit about the inmates from their letters. There is also
a folder on hand filled with thank you letters.

Other ways to contribute include:

1. Donating Books. By far the biggest request is for dictionaries. Below
is a list of subjects most often requested:
Dictionaries
African-American history
GED
Legal texts
Books by African American, Native American and Hispanic authors
Native American history
Hispanic history
Spanish Language books
Health

2. Make a financial donation. A donation of $2.50 will deliver one package
of books to an inmate. All donations are tax-deductible. Please make checks
payable to: Books thru Bars of Ithaca/CRESP and mail to CRESP, 117 Anabel
Taylor Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853.

For more information, contact booksthrubarsithaca@yahoo.com

Posted by Anke Wessels