Reading Black History
As this year's Black History Month draws to a close, these ten foundational books on the subject remain among BBB's most requested titles, even as institutions sometimes still reject them.
Books Beyond Bars
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Thanks to You
Looking back at a few recent letters of thanks that illuminate the purpose and power of Books Beyond Bars.
Book Bans and the Obstacles to Reading in Prison
Book bans are just one set of challenges that incarcerated individuals face in their attempts to access sufficient reading matter behind bars.
Duty of Care
In a powerful 2018 book, Alisa Roth shows how American jails and prisons have become de facto mental health care institutions, a role they remain ill-equipped to fulfill.
"A Safe Haven in Troubled Times"
A recent strike by New York correctional officers disrupted access to prison libraries, making BBB an even more critical resource for many incarcerated individuals, as revealed by recent letters.
Amplifying Black Incarcerated Voices
To mark Black History Month, we take a look at three highly influential and often-requested titles that detail the experiences of Black incarcerated people.
Our Year in Books
2024 was a busy year for Books Beyond Bars, with more requests fulfilled than ever before, and recipients' letters revealed what a real difference those texts made.
Fact and Fantasy
Our list of top 25 most-requested titles reveals some surprises among the perennial favorites, with escapist enjoyment popular along with practical advice and hard information.
Make Room for James Patterson
Incarcerated individuals have reading needs that are as diverse as the population at large, and that includes popular fiction.
Books with Pride
LGBTQIA+ people face particular challenges in gaining access to books in prison.
The Sun on Their Shoulders
The struggle of nine incarcerated individuals to witness April's total eclipse of the sun resonates with other experiences of transcendence and freedom, including those provided by books.
Our Relationship with Book Donations?
It's complicated...
Books Sustained Him
The value that Aleksei A. Navalny placed on the ability to read in prison is reflected in the experience of Books Beyond Bars's clients. In National Reading Month, help us bring "joy to the joyless."
The Worst Form of Censorship
As we celebrate Black History Month, institutional racism is still preventing important works of Black literature and history from making it into New York prisons.
Today Is Where Your Book Begins...
...and, in the words of English singer-songwriter Natasha Beddingfield, the rest is still unwritten. 2023 was an active year at BBB, and 2024 promises to be even busier.
We Get Requests
A look at BBB's most-asked-for books.
"No Books Coming In": Dr. Jeanie Austin on Library Services and Incarceration
BBB's Alexandra Schoenborn talks to Dr. Jeanie Austin, author of the recent book "Library Services and Incarceration: Recognizing Barriers, Strengthening Access"
Meet the Team!
Meet BBB team members new and old, find the answers to some Frequently Asked Questions, and read our Letter of the Month
Reading Is Releasing
Top 5 Prison Memoirs that Inspire Liberation and BBB’s Work
It’s the Most Colorful Time of the Year!
Happy Pride Month from Books Beyond Bars!