read between the bars

>> tucson's books to prisoners program

Letters from Prisoners

Dear RBTB,

Hi! My name is M. E., an inmate here at the SMU-II facility in Florence...

Most prison libraries are small and the selections are very limited (understandably), so I greatly appreciate agencies such as yourself that sends books to us prisoners. Afterwards I make sure to give each book to another inmate to read as well. (And I quiz them to make sure they actually read the book!)

(lists his requests)

In closing, please keep in mind that you guys (and gals) are doing an excellent service for us inmates who cannot afford to purchase such books! Yes!! You are very much appreciated!!

Sincerely Yours,

M. E.

Dear Read Between the Bars Staff,

Thank you for your desire and efforts in bringing the possibility of books to prisoners. While we do have libraries, they vary from yard to yard in quality and access. A "closed custody" yard like the one I'm on does not allow individuals to 'go' to the library and browse. We must request books off an index that is accessed from the 'control bubble' in each housing unit. The indexes are famously incomplete, disordered and not current. It could be worse, but that's no way to gauge something as important as book availability.

(Lists his requests)

Once again, thanks for your program.

Yours,

A. J.