Skip to Main Content

Books For Inmates

This is a guide created to be able to share the Amazon wishlists of jails and detention centers in Maryland. Anyone can select and order a book from the wishlist that is then sent to the prison or detention center library.

Prisoners in Maryland

It is estimated that there are about 36,000 incarcerated or justice-involved people in the state of Maryland as of 2022. The Maryland State Library Agency (MSLA) is strongly committed to providing support to the many libraries in prisons, jails, and detention centers around the state. In 2020, MSLA awarded a Library Services and Technology Act grant for $100,000 that provided each of Maryland's state prisons with hundreds of new books.

Many jails and detention centers in Maryland have some sort of library and may have a media specialist or librarian who serves the library customers. Many of these same places have little to no budget for books and many jail or detention center libraries rely on donations or weeded library books to have books on the shelves.

The reality is that just like every library, every jail or detention center library is also unique and serves a population that may have special needs. The Amazon Wish List allows every jail or detention center librarian to create a list of the books that their library needs. The wishlist allows interested or concerned citizens to purchase these books for detention centers and jail libraries. These books then become the property of the library. Purchases are anonymous and the identities of the purchaser shall remain anonymous as well to the inmates and residents.

Purchasing books for inmates is a simple way for outside citizens to share their care and concern for the incarcerated. Having access to these books helps inmates pass time peacefully and can help them develop critical thinking skills.

Tips For Ordering Books for Inmates on Amazon

  • When you select which book(s) you would like to purchase from an individual institution's Amazon Wishlist please be aware that this is labeled a Gift purchase. This means that your name and an auto message is attached to each item. You may choose to check the box that indicates the purchase is "not a Gift" to avoid the autofill of your name. If you would like to include your name please use your first name only for security reasons.
  • When you go to check out, you will have to choose the name associated with the institution's Amazon Wish List. The Wish List title includes the name of the institution but not necessarily the address for security reasons.

Jail and Detention Center Amazon Wishlists for Books

Calvert County Detention Center - Barstow, Maryland

The Calvert County Detention Center works in partnership with Calvert Library to provide an extensive library of around 4,000 books to the men and women housed in this facility. Calvert Library also facilitates a book club at the Detention Center and encourages inmates to write book reviews.

Please note: All books purchased for Calvert County Detention Center should be paperback, please.

Anyone can choose to browse the Amazon wishlist for Calvert County Detention Center and choose books to purchase and send to this facility.

Prince George's County Detention Center - Upper Marlboro, Maryland

The Prince George's County Detention Center houses approximately 1,000 inmates serving a short sentence or awaiting trial. This detention center serves men, women, and juveniles. Library service is provided to inmates by contract with Prince George's County Memorial Library System.

Please note: All books purchased for Prince George's County Detention Center should be paperback, please.

Anyone can choose to browse the Amazon wishlist for Prince George's Detention Center and choose books to purchase and send to this facility.

Springfield Hospital Center - Sykesville, Maryland

Springfield Hospital Center is a state psychiatric hospital operated by the Maryland Department of Health located in the countryside of Carroll County. The hospital serves over 220 patients who are diagnosed with mental and cognitive disorders with the goal of rehabilitating them to successfully reenter society. The library service works in conjunction with the full rehabilitation department to respond to the intellectual, emotional, and spiritual needs of the patients.
 
Note: Only paperback books, please, as patients are not allowed to have hardcover books in their residences.
 
Anyone can choose to browse the Amazon wishlist for Springfield Hospital Center Library and choose books to purchase and send to this facility.

 

This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Image