Prison Library and Donations

It helps when you have a friend in the media.  You get better response from the public.  Dan Rodricks of WYPR 88.1(NPR) through his midday show; http://www.wypr.org/stationprogram/midday-dan-rodricks,  and articles in the Baltimore Sun http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2011-02-02/news/bs-ed-rodricks-books-20110202_1_nonfiction-books-funds-for-new-books-satellite-libraries   has proved to be a true friend of prison libraries.  I have got lots of donations including many books on reentry because of Dan's support of prison libraries.

Judith Richter and sister Ms Pasternack donated 10,000 books, from her late husband's collection, to prison libraries in Maryland. 

Ex Offender Wilbert Rideau

I have just finished reading "In the Place Of Justice: A Story of Punishment and Deliverance", by Wilbert Rideau who was incarcerated for 44 years and released in 2005.  The book is a great read, evidence of how inmates can be reformed.  Rideau was editor of the Angolite, that received many  national awards for journalism.  One thing that stuck with me in the book was Rideau's description of his adjustment back in the society. 

Last week I participated in NPR 88.1 WYPR's  Midday with Dan Rodricks http://www.ktla.com/sports/football/bs-ed-rodricks-books-20101205,0,4533598.column

Because of the program I have been getting lots of calls with donations from the public. 

Public Support for Prison Libraries

It is great to have the public support prison libraries, instead of thinking that the service we provide is rewarding criminals. Dan Rodricks of WYPR and the Baltimore Sun published my wish list of materials to help inmates transition back to the community.  His readers responded by sending me checks for $10.00, $50.00 and $200.00 to purchase materials.  Three  readers mailed me books from the list.  One public library contacted me and I got dozens of career, resume,  and trade books from their left over book sales.
Thanks everyone!

Midday with Dan Rodricks

Yesterday I got the opportunity to to tell a wide audience about prison libraries. I was guest on the Midday show hosted by Dan Rodricks, on WYPR, 88.1. I talked about diminished funding, what prisoners read, and answered some call in listeners. Because of the show, I have had several email offering donations. I truly enjoyed this occasion to promote prison libraries, and thank Mr. Rodricks for making this happen.