Inside Books Project

About Inside Books Project

Inside Books Project is an Austin-based volunteer-driven community service organization dedicated to providing incarcerated individuals across Texas with free reading materials, educational resources, and more. As the only books-to-prisoners program in Texas, Inside Books Project supports over 120,000 people in prisons throughout the state. In addition to mailing books, the organization publishes resource guides and short-form instructional pamphlets, offering valuable information for both incarcerated individuals and the general public. With a focus on literacy, education, and raising awareness of issues surrounding incarceration, Inside Books Project is committed to creating opportunities for personal growth and empowerment for those behind bars.

Our Mission: Promoting Literacy and Education

The core mission of Inside Books Project is to promote literacy, education, and self-expression among incarcerated individuals. We believe that reading and education are critical tools for rehabilitation, personal transformation, and success after release. In Texas, where cuts to prison education programs and libraries continue, access to reading materials is often limited. Inside Books Project fills this void by sending more than 30,000 books each year, offering prisoners the chance to engage with literature, learn new skills, and express themselves in meaningful ways.

In addition to the books, Inside Books Project publishes a variety of resource guides, including How-To Guides and a monthly IBP Newsletter, which further assist incarcerated individuals in their journey of self-improvement and education. These resources are designed to address specific challenges faced by people in the prison system, providing tools to help them navigate their circumstances and prepare for life after release.

Why We Do It: Empowering Through Education

At Inside Books Project, we believe that every incarcerated individual deserves access to quality reading and educational materials, regardless of their situation. Many individuals behind bars face limited educational opportunities, especially as funding for prison education and library services has been drastically cut in recent years. We stand firm in the belief that reading, learning, and self-expression should not be denied to any individual, as they are key to personal transformation and rehabilitation.

Studies have shown that access to literacy programs and reading materials in prison can have a profound impact on reducing recidivism rates and improving the quality of life for incarcerated individuals. Furthermore, the benefits of literacy extend far beyond the prison walls, enhancing the chances of successful reentry into society and helping individuals build better futures for themselves and their families.

How We Do It: Community Support and Volunteer Effort

Inside Books Project operates through the generosity and support of volunteers and the Austin community. We rely on people who donate their time, books, and financial resources to keep our mission alive. The organization holds two volunteer sessions every week, where volunteers read letters from incarcerated individuals, select books based on their requests, write personal responses, and package the books to be sent out.

Our Bookstore: Supporting Our Mission

Inside Books Project operates a second-hand bookstore as a key funding mechanism to support its mission. The bookstore sells high-value donated books, and the profits from book sales are reinvested into the organization to purchase frequently requested books for incarcerated individuals. Popular items, such as dictionaries, educational books, and other reference materials, are essential for helping prisoners develop their literacy skills and prepare for life outside of prison.

Community and Long-Standing Partnerships

Inside Books Project thrives due to its strong partnerships within the local Austin community. For more than two decades, 12th Street Books has been a key supporter of the organization, providing invaluable assistance by donating books and helping to manage our operations. In addition, the organization relies heavily on the dedication and compassion of local volunteers, donors, and community members who make our mission possible.

Looking Ahead: Continuing to Serve and Make an Impact

As Inside Books Project continues to grow, our vision remains focused on expanding our outreach and enhancing the impact of our work. With the support of the community, our volunteers, and donors, we aim to reach even more incarcerated individuals, helping them access the reading and educational materials they need to build a better future.