Through an independent study led by Katy Ryan, Danielle Stoneberg and I had the opportunity to take on more responsibility at APBP by running the mail to the post office. This has been an interesting experience that has given me…
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The Power of a Dictionary
“I knew right there in prison that reading had changed forever the course of my life. As I see it today, the ability to read awoke inside me some long dormant craving to be mentally alive.” -- Malcolm X When…
The First Page
During my first year in the Master of Social Work program at West Virginia University, I was required to complete an internship within the community. I wanted to work with an organization that supported and helped people in prison, so…
Mail Call in the Prison System
Words diamonds on pages of gold A message from heaven as their story is told, “We love you, miss you, pray you’ll be free.” A treasure-filled envelope just for me. Please bring memories of joy I once knew Family, friends…
Why Donate to Prison Book Projects When Prisons Have Libraries?
“A book, too, can be a star, a living fire to lighten the darkness, leading out into the expanding universe” — Madeleine L’Engle Most prisons have libraries, so why has APBP mailed over 45,000 books across six Appalachian states: West…
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APBP Is the 2020 Appalachian Nonprofit of the Year
Thanks to everyone who voted for APBP in Appodlachia’s 2020 awards show. We’re excited to be the Non-Profit of the Year!
Writing Is Freedom: A Legacy
A couple of weeks ago, the APBP team received the heartbreaking news that one of the members of the Appalachian Community Think Tank (ACTT) has passed away in prison. His name was Jon, and he was preparing for an upcoming…
Letter Matching 101: Searching the Bookshelves
At APBP, there are three main tasks for volunteers: opening letters from people in prison, matching the requests in the letters to a donated book on our shelves, and wrapping books in brown paper to be put in the mail.…
How APBP Is Responding to COVID-19 Challenges
As doctors and scientists around the world struggle to recommend treatments and preventive measures for COVID-19, they also stress the importance of social distancing and maintaining proper hygiene practices. How capable are U.S. prisons—with their often cramped spaces and scant…
Writing from Death Row: On Being Transgender in Prison
In December 2016, I received an email from an attorney asking me if I would be interested in writing to one of his clients on death row. He said the client was working on several writing projects, mainly fantasy books,…
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