Self-help books are often requested and are important for improving and supporting the mental health of incarcerated individuals. Anything from guided journals to informational books on personal growth and habits is very helpful.
Manga
While manga printed in English is preferred, all forms of manga are appreciated. These Japanese-style comics series are highly requested at Pittsburgh Prison Book Project and we are always looking for more!
Trade / How to - HVAC, Plumbing, Etc
Useful skills that can translate into jobs on the outside are always in high demand but not donated a lot. Everything from electricians manual to plumbing and HVAC.
Law and Legal Resources
Law books are extremely important for people who are incarcerated Black’s Law Dictionary, NOLO resources and the Prisoner’s Self Help Litigation Manual are specific books that we get asked for regularly.
Illegal to Legal
Illegal to Legal : Business Success For The (Formerly) Incarcerated by R. L. Pershaw “A superb, all-in-one business startup manual with the proper dose of motivational wisdom; uniquely targets an audience for whom options in life may often appear to be limited.”
This book and its companion work book are an incredible resource for the many people looking to start their own businesses when they get released from prison. This book is requested directly but also sent when people ask us about starting a business!
LGBTQ - Fiction and Non-Fiction
LGBTQ identified prisoners are especially vulnerable and are often not given the support and care they need. Prison libraries particularly lack books in this genre. We get tons of letters asking for LGBTQ focused books both non-fiction and fiction.
Arts & Crafts / Hobbies
One of the things we're trying to help inspire in people is their creativity and a great resource is books on making crafts and books on how to begin as an artist.
Non-Judeo/Christian Religions
A lot of prisons have Christian books made available through their chaplain, but different information regarding alternate religions is harder to find. We also have in our arsenal many Judeo-Christian texts. We're looking for religious texts outside of that realm. Islam, Wicca and Pagan are especially popular.
Puzzles!
Crosswords, Sudoku, Word Find, Riddles, Mazes...you name it. Help people keep their minds active and bubbling by keep it engaged. We are always, ALWAYS in need of these books. They are in dire demand and people just seem to love them very much.
History (Pretty much all histories)
Pretty much any history will have it's place. History books are a very often requested item. There is a high demand for the following however: African-American, African, Native American.
Automotive / Car-related
Anything car-related. That means not only information on how to repair, fix, or augment the insides and outsides of a vehicle; but car enthusiast magazines and books that explore the histories and facts about vehicles and their manufacturers. Pretty much anything dealing with cars, motorcycles and other automotive machines would be appreciated.
Native American / Indigenous Authors
Looking for some awesome Native American books to donate? Check out the Native American Books list on GoodReads.
Horror / Vampire
Some authors we would love books from, as examples:
Stephen King
Anne Rice
Charlaine Harris
Clive Barker
Joe Hill
Tananarive Due
Stephen Graham Jones
We’d also love horror anthologies!
Engaging Science Books (not necc. textbooks)
Hood / Urban Novels (African-American protagonist)
Want a better idea of the best Hood / Urban novel selections? Check out these lists:
http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/4770._This_Is_The_Definition_Of_Urban_Fiction_
http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/79235.Best_Black_sleuths_Detectives_and_gumshoes
http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/263.Good_Urban_Literature
