Book Donations for Correctional Libraries
Maryland’s correctional libraries provide incarcerated individuals with current, relevant information to support education, personal growth, and successful reentry into the community. Library collections include legal resources, educational materials, and recreational reading.
Correctional Education libraries are operated by the Maryland Department of Labor, under the Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning.Maryland Department of Labor (MDL)
We appreciate donations that help keep our collections current and useful. Please review the following requirements before submitting a donation request.
Before You Donate
We accept books that meet the following guidelines:
- Paperback books only. Many facilities allow only paperback materials because of security restrictions. We can currently accept only paperback donations.
- Donors cannot designate a receiving facility. Each approved donation is assigned to one facility based on library needs. Facilities are located across Maryland, from Westover on the Eastern Shore to Cumberland in Western Maryland. We cannot accommodate requests to donate to a specific location.
- Donors are responsible for delivery. The donor must deliver approved materials in person to the assigned facility.
- All donations require advance approval and a scheduled delivery. Mailed donations are not accepted.
- Security screening is required. Donors must deliver approved materials to the assigned facility’s designated security receiving area for safety scanning before the materials enter the prison or are given to library staff.
- Publication requirements. . We do not accept self-published materials or materials published through self or hybrid publishing companies, including requests from authors to donate those materials.
Accepted Donations
We accept paperback books in good condition that meet the following guidelines:
- Recent reference materials,published within the last two years
- Current nonfiction , including:
- Psychology, self-help, and relationship guides
- Business planning and financial literacy
- English-language dictionaries
- Health information
- Government grant resources
- GED preparation
- Skilled trades and vocational training
- Bestsellers from the New York Times and Washington Post lists
- Popular fiction , including mystery, horror, and romance, particularly works by African American writers
Materials We Do Not Accept
- Hardcover books
- Self-published materials or materials published through self or hybrid publishing companies;including requests from authors to donate those materials.
- Magazines, textbooks, or outdated law books
- Worn or damaged materials,including books with:
- Discolored, brittle, brown, or yellowed pages
- Mold or musty odors
- Torn covers or excessive markings
- Significant deterioration, including older classics in poor condition
- Materials that pose a security risk, including:
- Books detailing attack strategies, prison escape plans, or prison violence
- Books focused on psychological manipulation, coercion, or persuasion tactics
- Materials containing explicit sexual or pornographic content
Approval Process and How to Donate
Step 1: Submit the Book Donation Form
Complete the Book Donation Form (PDF), listing the books you wish to donate. Submit the completed form to Jennifer Swiech at [email protected] for review.
Do not deliver materials before receiving approval. Mailed donations are not accepted.
Step 2: Receive Approval and Facility Assignment
Your proposed donation will be reviewed for condition, relevance, publication requirements, library needs, and security requirements. You will receive confirmation of approved materials and the assigned receiving facility.
Each donation is assigned to one facility based on site needs. Donors cannot select the receiving location and are responsible for delivering the materials to the assigned facility.
Step 3: Schedule Delivery
The receiving librarian will coordinate with facility security and provide a delivery date, time, and instructions. The approved donation list must be submitted to facility security before delivery.
Step 4: Deliver Materials to Facility Security
Deliver the approved materials in person to the designated security receiving area at the assigned facility.
For the safety of staff and patrons, facility security must scan all donated materials before they enter the prison and before library staff physically handle them.
Delivery is the donor’s responsibility. Mailed donations and unscheduled deliveries are not accepted.
Contact Information
For questions or to submit a completed Book Donation Form, contact:
Jennifer Swiech, Library Coordinator📩 Email: Jennifer Swiech
Thank you for supporting Maryland's correctional libraries!