The Challenge

For over 50 years, our mission has been simple: provide the transformative power of reading to those behind bars. Since 1973, we have sent thousands of books into Texas facilities without a single security incident.

But on April 1, 2026, the rules change. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) has announced a near-total ban on used and hardcover books. Moving forward, only brand-new, softcover books sent directly from approved vendors will be allowed. While the state cites security concerns, the result is a "literacy tax" that effectively prices out the most vulnerable and threatens to silence 50 years of community support.

Why This Hits Hard

The Loss of Hardcovers: Texas was one of the few places where we could still send hardcover books.
The Cost of "New": We can no longer stretch your donations by sourcing high-quality used books. To get a single book past the gate now, we must buy it at full retail price.
A Proven Track Record Sidelined: Our 50-year history of safe, transparent delivery is being overlooked in favor of a policy that treats every used book as a threat.

How Your Donation Works Now

We are adapting, not stopping. Your contribution to this campaign will go directly into our "2026 New Book Fund." This fund is dedicated to:

Purchasing New Softcovers: Buying bulk copies of the most requested vocational, educational, and recovery-based titles in the only format the state now accepts.
Covering Direct-Shipping Costs: Meeting the strict "approved vendor" requirements to ensure that not a single page is rejected at the mailroom.

New Book Drive

By The Claremont Forum

New Book Drive

The New Literacy Tax: Help Us Keep Books in Texas Prisons