Books to Prisoners: YWCA Spotlight
Books to Prisoners: YWCA Spotlight
Highlighting Incredible People & Impact In Spokane
Every other month, through this YW Spotlight blog series, we call attention to the people and work happening in our community that is creating real and lasting change towards a more equitable Spokane.
July Spotlight
This month, we’re highlighting the Books to Prisoners Spokane chapter, a group run completely by volunteers. Get to know these individuals as they share with us about their roles and the impactful work they're achieving to support members not only in our Spokane community, but also across the nation.
About Books to Prisoners
The organization seeks to empower incarcerated individuals with access to the books and knowledge they deserve.
The Books to Prisoners Spokane chapter was founded in 2016 and collaborates with the Books to Prisoners Seattle chapter to fulfill book requests. Books to Prisoners Spokane is a volunteer-run organization that sends free books to people in prison all across the nation. Their goal? To give folks behind bars access to books that educate, inspire, and offer a connection to the outside world.
Why Books Matter
When you're isolated from society, it’s easy to feel forgotten. A book can help change that feeling. It can teach you something new, help you transport into a story, or simply just remind you that someone out there cares. That’s what Books to Prisoners Spokane is all about, getting the right books into the hands of people who need and want them most.
Every month, they get stacks of letters from Books to Prisoners Seattle, of people in prison requesting specific books. Things like dictionaries, fantasy novels, and self-help books. Volunteers from Books to Prisoners Spokane read the letters, search through donated books, secondhand bookstores, or buy them new when funds allow, and pack them up to ship out, one package at a time.
Powered by Volunteers
Books to Prisoners Spokane runs completely on volunteer energy. People give their time to sort books, match them with requests, and handle all the packing and shipping. They’re passionate about what they do, and they believe that everyone deserves a chance to learn and grow - no matter where they are.
One volunteer said it best, “our punitive system is you remove people from community. No you are not removed from community, not to us, we are here to hear you, to listen to you”.
Local Roots, Big Impact
Even though they’re based in Spokane, their work reaches prisons all over the country. And while sending books is their main focus, they’re also helping raise awareness about the importance of education and support for people who are incarcerated.
How You Can Help
Books to Prisoners Spokane relies on donations and volunteers to keep going. They’re always looking for gently used books, as well as money to help cover postage.
Financial contributions can be made via their fiscal sponsor, Peace & Justice Action League of Spokane (PJALS).
By mail: Send a check or money order to
Books to Prisoners Spokane c/o PJALS,
35 W. Main Avenue #120M, Spokane, WA, 99201
Online: Click here to make a secure donation through their online portal.
Books might not fix everything, but they can make a big difference. Thanks to Books to Prisoners Spokane, hundreds of people behind bars are reminded that they’re not alone and that learning and hope are still a possibility.
If you have any questions or are interested in donating books, check their website of the most in-demand genres: bookstoprisonersspokane.org
Or email them at: bookstoprisonersspokane@gmail.com.
Check our Past Spotlights
Find all past RSJ Spotlights here. If you or someone you know should have their advocacy work highlighted through the RSJ Spotlight series, please email equity@ywcaspokane.org or submit a form.