Library Services for Incarcerated Youth
Free Books!
If you are developing a library and have little experience writing grants or do not have much time to dedicate to grant writing, you might first consider applying to book donation organizations. Many of these organizations will send a general shipment of books for youth without much attention to your exact collection needs. It is a good idea to include information in your application about the types of materials you are most interested in collecting as well as any content/format restrictions at the JDC. If you already have a collection developed, these might not be your best options for acquiring new materials.

Embrace the Child- Bluford Book Series.
Embrace the Child is an organization that seeks to "engage tomorrow's role models with the power of literacy and the love of literature." They offer a free set of the popular Bluford High series to non-profits and organizations that work with youth in detention. The application process is very simple, but requires information regarding the demographics of the youth at the JDC. Work with JDC administration to get this information before applying. Bluford High books will be valuable to your collection if you are interested in collecting high/low books, or books that take place in urban settings and address issues of crime and violence. Visit the link above for more information about the series.

First Book-
"First Book empowers educators with an unprecedented choice of high quality books and materials." If 70 percent of the youth you serve come from low-income families, First Book offers free materials, highly discounted materials, and grants. Register online to develop an account.

The Lisa Libraries-
The Lisa Libraries "donates new children's books and small libraries to organizations that work with kids in poor and under-served areas." The application requires demographic information about the youth served, information about programming at your organization, budget information, and other funding sources. Make sure you work with administration at your JDC to send accurate information. In your application, you might consider listing any content areas you are especially interested in as well as material restrictions at the JDC.

Library of Congress Surplus Books Program-
"The Library of Congress has available at all times, for donation to eligible organizations and institutions, surplus books which are not needed for the Library's own uses." Organizations must fill out an application, submit a brief letter about the organization, and identify book selectors to choose materials. For more information on choosing a book selector, contact Joseph Mahar at 202-707-9524.

The Bookman-
The Bookman is "a global charitable organization based in San Diego, California. The Bookman supplies books free to teachers, institutitions, and groups that ask, providing they can pick them up, or have another agency do that for them." If you live in the San Diego area, this is a great opportunity to get your hands of free books quickly. There is no application process, and the Bookman does not have restrictions on who can receive free books.
Some JDC libraries develop Amazon.com wishlists of books they want in their library. This is a good way to focus only on books that meet your collection development needs. Wishlists will be effective only if you get the word out about your library. Consider developing a website, speaking to charitable organizations or neighborhood associations, or hosting a book drive event. Make sure you have pamphlets about your project with a link to your amazon.com wishlist. This is a great way to spread awareness and support for your project while also acquiring quality materials. Speak with JDC administration before developing a wishlist. There may be legal issues to consider before you develop an account. You may need to work through a 501c3 to acquire new materials.

