Chicago Books to Women in Prison is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing free books to incarcerated women, addressing the systemic lack of educational and recreational reading materials in women's prisons. Recognizing that access to books can be a critical tool for personal growth, education, and mental well-being, the organization works to combat the isolation and limited resources experienced by incarcerated women through book donations and support.

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When I co-founded CBWP with three other young women, there were several book projects serving men, but only one other organization in the country serving women, and they were not able to meet the demand. We chose to create our project and focus on women and their specific needs and challenges, including:

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1. Fewer resources: Women’s prisons often have fewer resources, including libraries and educational programs.

2. Higher Rates of Trauma: Many incarcerated women have histories of abuse, domestic violence, or trauma. Access to books on healing, empowerment, and mental health can be crucial for their emotional well-being.

3. Family Connections: Women are more likely to be primary caregivers before incarceration. Books that help maintain family bonds, such as parenting guides or children’s books to read to their kids during visits, can support these connections.

4. Gender-specific experiences: Books covering topics like  motherhood, relationships, and women's health can better support their personal growth and rehabilitation.

5. Empowerment and Education: Books can provide tools for self-advocacy, legal knowledge, and education, which are critical for women navigating the prison system and preparing for reentry into society.

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As an all-volunteer collective, our small group built the organization from the ground up. We started by fulfilling backlog orders from the Women's Prison Book Project, and quickly developed our own relationships with women's prisons in seven states. I was actively involved in establishing the collective's core operations, including collecting book and cash donations, coordinating volunteers, organizing fundraisers, and filling orders for books. My most significant contribution was designing and creating the organization's first website, which became a critical tool for expanding our reach and impact.

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The website served as a central platform for volunteer recruitment, donor engagement, and communicating our mission. By providing clear information about our work and creating straightforward ways to get involved, we significantly increased our organizational capacity. The digital presence helped attract volunteers, secure donations, and apply for grants that supported our book distribution efforts.

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Now in its third decade, Chicago Books to Women in Prison continues to provide free books to incarcerated women, demonstrating the sustainability of our founding vision. For more information, visit Chicago Books to Women in Prison or read about our history on Wikipedia.