Get Involved
Books to Prisoners (BTP) is a Seattle-based nonprofit on a mission to foster a love of reading behind bars, encourage the pursuit of knowledge and self-empowerment, and break the cycle of recidivism. We believe books are tools for learning and for opening minds to new ideas and possibilities. Every year, we mail tens of thousands of free books to incarcerated people in prisons across the country.
Founded in the early 1970s as a project of Left Bank Books, BTP is one of the largest and oldest prison book programs in the United States. We work in partnership with organizations that support prisoner literacy and advance social justice.Though our home is in Seattle, our reach extends across the Pacific Northwest.
Our three associate organizations, Portland Books Through Bars, Books to Prisoners Olympia, and Books to Prisoners Spokane, offer additional opportunities for volunteers and donors outside of Seattle.
Donate
Volunteer
We welcome all volunteers, individuals, small groups, students (minors under 16 with an adult), and those fulfilling court-ordered community service.
After a brief orientation, you're free to volunteer during open hours as often as you like; we simply ask for a commitment of at least 20 hours within your first year.
Sign-up links are sent by email each week. Contact us to make sure you're on the announcement list.
Email us at bookstoprisoners@live.com
Featured volunteers
