Mission Statement

We believe books are a source of enlightenment, entertainment, and transformation. Reading and learning ways for self-improvement and true rehabilitation is a fundamental right that no incarcerated person should be denied. This objective should be shared by our nation’s penal systems’ administrators. However, it is not – as evidenced by the recent trend of jails and correctional institutions banning offenders’ access to books.

The power to be found between a book’s pages is indeed formidable. That’s why we are doing this work. We believe helping prisoners improve their lives begins by reducing illiteracy behind bars, and books-to-prisoner programs are essential – especially given the cutbacks made to educational programs, and to the poorly-funded and outdated reentry programs offered to the incarcerated. Moreover, our mission in providing our fellow citizens and siblings behind bars with books is guided by a desire to alleviate their dehumanization and isolation while giving them a genuine sense of connection to a community of supportive and caring individuals.

How To Donate Books

We would greatly appreciate any donations of new, gently used, and overstocked books from authors, publishers, book stores, and anyone else with books lying around the house or garage. Thank you in advance for your support.

You can email us with questions at:
btb [at] handoutzine [dot] com

Books can be shipped to:
Handout Books
Books Through Bars
PO Box #3437
St. Petersburg, FL 33731

“Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.”
— Frederick Douglass

Resources & Other BTB projects
Wrongful Convictions
Mission Statement and How To Donate
Voices Behind Bars
About Books Through Bars