Meet Adrienne, Featured Volunteer for July 2026

What got you interested in BTP to begin with, or what made you start volunteering? Does it tie in to the rest of your life in any meaningful way?

I retired last year and needed something to do. I was talking to a friend and she mentioned Books to Prisoners where I could volunteer. I've known a few people who have gone to prison and I think of them when I'm reading the letters and finding books.

My family has been a great example of volunteering since I was a kid and I do it to honor my family.

Is there anything you especially like about volunteering with us? What are your favorite parts of the process?

I like that Books to Prisoner is close to home and has a flexible volunteer schedule that I can sign up for. I like coming in and sitting alongside other volunteers and get help from them, when needed.

Everybody starts off by responding to letters, even if they eventually move on to wrapping or other tasks. Some of the letters can be memorable. Are there any requests that surprised you, or that you remember standing out in any way?

One letter made me laugh out loud because all the writer talked about was liking 'big women' and could we send him some books on that subject. I thought 'not really', so I sent him a mystery book and some outdoor magazines. 

In the time that you’ve been here, do you think that your views on the prison system, or what it’s like to be incarcerated, have changed? Please feel free to talk about those views if you would like.

Having known people who have been incarcerated and going to the Monroe prison for visitation, I know how some individuals feel isolated and forgotten. They long for freedom and for some, it may not come soon enough. A good book can take your mind off the current situation and let you feel free to dream you are somewhere else. Or you can learn a new hobby and/or trade with some of our books.

Do you have any book recommendations for us? Is there anything you especially like to read in your spare time?

Theo of Golden by Allen Levi

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson & David Oliver Relin 

Are there any other parting words that you’d like to share with whoever is reading this?

Every day you have two choices: to focus on what's wrong or to embrace what's right. Choose gratitude. Choose joy. Choose to see the beauty in the little things and life will become even more incredible than you imagined.