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Nonprofit

Books Through Bars

A volunteer-run group that sends free books to people in prison who write asking for them. Its office is on Baltimore Avenue in West Philadelphia.

  • Newcomers welcome
  • Ages 18 and up

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What they do

Read request letters, pick library books that fit each request, pack and mail the packages, and help with letter logs, donation drives, and library work. New volunteers start at an orientation.

Who it is for

Who can join
Open to anyone
Ages
Ages 18 and up
Who is there
Adults of any age

When and where

Drop-in volunteer sessions Monday and Thursday from 6:30 to 8:30 pm, and the first Saturday of the month from 11 am to 1 pm. Group sessions are usually Saturdays, 11 am to 1 pm or 1:30 to 3:30 pm, booked in advance.

Days
Monday, Thursday and Saturday
Times
Morning, Daytime, Evening

Books Through Bars office

Address
4722 Baltimore Ave
Part of the city
University Southwest

Your first visit

Feeling unsure the first time is normal. Most groups are glad when someone new walks in.

First step: Fill in the Individual Volunteer Form on the volunteer page and choose an orientation, then join a drop-in session after you attend it..

Check with the group before you show up. You need to sign up first.

What to expect

Your first step is an orientation, and you do not come to a drop-in session until you have been oriented. In a session you read letters from people in prison, choose library books that match each request, and pack the packages for mailing. Sessions run Monday and Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 pm and the first Saturday of the month from 11 am to 1 pm, and after about a dozen visits you can ask about letter logging, hosting, fundraising, or library work.

Tips for your first visit

  • Choose an orientation on the volunteer form before you come in.
  • Masks are required for in-person volunteers. Bring your own or pick one up when you arrive.
  • The page does not mention parking or transit, so check your route to 4722 Baltimore Ave before you go.
  • Talk to a host during your visit, or email volunteer@booksthroughbars.org with questions.

Newcomer welcome

Very welcoming to newcomers (5 out of 5). Why we say this: Orientation is the built-in first step. After it, drop-in sessions are open to volunteers 18 and older, and the form and orientation sign-up are on the volunteer page..

Cost and commitment

Cost
Cost not known yet
How often
Drop in whenever you like

Access and languages

Wheelchair access
We do not know yet. Ask the group before you go.
Languages spoken
We do not know yet which languages are spoken.

Requirements

  • This group says it accepts court ordered community service. Always confirm with your probation officer or program before you start.

How to reach them

We copy contact details as the group or a public source published them. Each one shows where it came from.

Sources and last check

Checked by our research team on October 8, 2026. This was a closer look, including what a first visit is like.

Last checked by our team
October 8, 2026
Status
Probably active
Our confidence in this listing
Medium

We think this group is probably still active, but the newest sign we found is more than a year old.

Help us keep this right

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