Why Books to Prisoners?

The Ontario Public Interest Research Group (OPIRG)-Carleton has a variety of action groups related to social justice and environmental issues. Regarding these concerns, we focus on research, education and action.

The Books to Prisoners Project 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. The Carleton University Bookstore has received books donated from thousands of students over the past year. Many bookstores in the community also have donation boxes where people can drop off their books. We will also pick up books if you would like to donate them but require help with transportation.

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 try to match requests as best as possible, and though we don't always have exact titles, we usually have something akin to what was requested, thanks to all of the generous donations.

How can I get involved?

To volunteer on the project, we ask that you come out to one of our planning or working meetings, and learn the process. Once you have completed a simple training with other volunteers, you can come to the office and work on the project at your convenience.

Our project is always evolving and taking in new and diverse ideas. Though the technical aspects of mailing books are strictly set out due to the highly regulated flow of materials into prisons, the work we do is very open, and we are always looking for new ideas, creative energy and enthusiasm.

We have an anti-oppression mandate, and our workspace is a harassment-free area. The space is accessible by the wheelchair lift from the 2nd floor stairway adjacent to Porter Hall.

What about Donations?

As for donations, we always have a high demand for dictionaries and thesauruses. However, every donated book is useful. If we cannot send it out, we have book exchanges with Ottawa bookstores who trade with us - they get books to sell, and we get the books we need to send to prisoners.

Financially, we are always in need of funds, primarily for mailing costs, but also for office supplies and other things like envelopes and photocopying.