Book Donations for Correctional Libraries

Correctional Education libraries provide inmates with current information that will assist with making successful reentry back to the community. Every correctional institution in Maryland has a library that not only provides legal materials but also gives offenders a productive activity that reduces idleness. Correctional Libraries are run by the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DLLR) who oversee correctional education under Workforce Development and Adult Learning.

Our librarians appreciate attempts to enhance our collection through donated items. In order to maintain currency, we request that potential donors consider our criteria:

maintain currency, we request that potential donors consider our criteria:

What we accept if materials are in good condition:

• Reference materials no older than 2 years
• Current nonfiction (psychology, self-help, relationships, business plans, English language dictionaries, health information, getting government grants, GED books, books on a trade)
• Anything on the New York Times and Washington Post Bestseller Lists
• Popular authors, such as John Grisham, Robert Ludlum, James Patterson, Stephen King, Alice Walker, Patricia Cornwell, Sue Grafton, etc.
• Mysteries, horror, and romance books by African-American writers.

What we do not accept:

• Old magazines
• Textbooks or Old law books
• Old worn classics
• Damaged materials, including books that are brown with age or have a musty smell.

Any material that compromises security, for example, instruction manuals on how to on build bombs or make weapons, books that teach martial arts or attack strategies, or materials containing pornography, etc.

A title list must first be sent for approval before books can be sent to us.

For more information about our book donation program, please contact William Katzenberger at william.katzenberger@maryland.gov or by phone at 410-767-0108 or 410-799-3400 X4226.