read between the bars

>> tucson's books to prisoners program

How Can I Help?

Read Between the Bars is comprised of collective members and volunteers from the Tucson community. RBtB collective members meet twice a month to discuss fundraising opportunities, tabling opportunities, and to plan the monthly Book-Packing Party.

At RBtB's Book-Packing Parties, the RBtB volunteers (YOU!) match books to a prisoner's request. You read their letter, peruse our library of books, and pick out the books that best match what they're asking for. Then, you wrap it up, address the package, and we send 'em out the next day. Join us! Snacks, fun, and request letters await you.

Read Between the Bars is always in search of passionate people to keep the project going strong. You can join RBtB as a collective member or a volunteer. We ask for a time commitment from collective members of 2 meetings per month (1 hr mtgs), 1 Book-Packing Party per month (approx. 2 hrs), and additional hours to answer mail, sort books, table at events, and fund-raise. Amount of additional time is determined by the individual's availability. RBtB volunteers join us for our Book-Packing Parties and help the project in other ways like: spreading the word about RBtB to their friends, family, and neighbors; picking up book donations for us; and helping us brainstorm creative ways to fund-raise.

Interested in joining us as a RBtB collective member or volunteer?
Please e-mail us with any inquiries, questions, or curiosities.

You can also join our e-mail list to receive monthly updates about Read Between the Bars and upcoming Book-Packing Parties.

Other ways you can help:

  • Tell your friends and community about Read Between The Bars.
  • Throw a fundraiser or encourage others to donate money for postage, packing materials, and paperback books.
  • Pick up book donations.
  • Sort and shelve books.
  • Attend a book-packing party. We have one at least once a month. Send us an email if you would like to come!

Read Between The Bars is entirely run by awesome, committed volunteers. We're a small, grassroots group and we could use help organizing the project. Please get in contact with us if you would like to volunteer.