Meet Caitlyn, Featured Volunteer for December 2025

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?

Over the summer, I decided I wanted to volunteer at local libraries and began combing the internet for opportunities. This led to the discovery of the Books to Prisoners website. The mission statement deeply resonated with me and I immediately reached out to contribute. I would not be the person I am today without books. They are incredible sources of knowledge and growth, able to expand and challenge your worldview. I want everyone in the world to be able to experience the positive impact reading has had on me. Through BTP, I can help share that impact with a community that faces many obstacles in accessing books.

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

While there are some objective guidelines everyone must follow when assembling packages, most of the process involves your subjective interpretation as to what books best fit. It makes every package a little more personal, which I love.

Also, finding the right combination of books that includes every single genre/title requested AND hits the target weight triggers a huge dopamine rush. Putting these packages together feels like I'm solving a puzzle and I love it.

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?

During one of my first few weeks here, I opened a letter from an individual who was sending his second request. He shared how emotional he felt when receiving his first package. His facility had closed down its library and recreational time was extremely limited. Every day was mostly spent sitting in a grey, dreary cell. He was very touched that someone took the time to read his letter and put thought into selecting books for him—so touched that he shed a tear. I think about this sender all the time when I’m picking books. For many inmates, we're one of the few pieces of support and kindness they have.

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.

Volunteering here has only reinforced my views on the prison system. It’s sad to read letters where the sender is genuinely trying to better themselves and the people around them, but has little support from their facilities. Restricting opportunities for growth and learning is cruel.

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

This year, I read Our Wives Under the Sea by Julia Armfield. It’s a beautiful and atmospheric study of grief that uses deep sea horror and body horror to ask the question, “how do you continue to love someone who is still here, but different?” I can’t even look at the book on my shelf without wanting to cry.

Amusing Ourselves to Death by Neil Postman continues to be relevant.

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

BTP is awesome!!!