Volunteer
Pgh Prison Book Project is an all-volunteer organization that needs the support of people like you!
Our Packing Sessions are the meat of our mission and work.
That's when we package up and send out requests to people all over Pennsylvania! Volunteers read letters from prisoners requesting books and search the shelves of our library. After choosing a few books, they complete an invoice and wrap the books in brown paper for shipping. While we don’t always have the exact books requested, we work hard to make sure each prisoner receives meaningful reading material.
Located at the Spartan Center: 134 East Elizabeth Street Pittsburgh, PA 15207
Volunteer sessions are capped 10 people and sign up before hand is required. Sessions are updated monthly. Sign up for our email list at the bottom of this page to stay in the loop.
Sponsored Packing Sessions:
Volunteer groups that are able to help cover the costs of postage and packing materials can truly make a difference by empowering us to serve more people.
If your church group, business, or community organization would like to participate in a sponsored packing session, we can open our doors to your group during an evening or weekend of your choice. It’s a great team-building exercise and participants gain the satisfaction of knowing that every prisoner that received books that day directly because of their help. For additional details or to schedule a packing session, contact us at pghprisonbookproject@gmail.com
We hope to see you soon!
Other ways to help out
BOOK HUNTERS!
Almost all the books we ship out are donated from members of our beloved community! Many of our volunteers and supporters help us out by keeping an eye out for books we need out in the world. Little Free Libraries, library weed outs and book sales, and inexpensive books at thrift stores are great ways to source books we need. Check out our book donation page for details!
PAPER BAGS!
We use paper grocery bags to wrap our book packages up and are always in need of more! It is especially useful if you cut up the bags before you bring them to us!
How To Cut Paper Bags From Your Couch!
We’re always looking for more paper bag donations. If you’re able, as our chalkboard says, “Cut Paper Bags & Be A Hero of The People”! Here’s a mini tutorial to get you started:
Step 1: Open the paper bag.
Step 2: Find the seam and cut down the middle, creating one long sheet.
Step 3: Cut out and recycle the bottom.
Step 4: Remove and recycle the handles.
Thank you for helping us wrap book packages in a cost-effective and eco-friendly way!