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:

What we accept if materials are in good condition:

• Reference materials no older than 2 years
• Current Non Fiction (psychology, self help, self improvement, relationships, starting your own business, business plans, career, English language dictionaries, health information, getting government grants, writing business plans, GED books, books on the trade, eg landscaping, roofing, etc.)
• Anything on the NYT and Washington Post Bestseller Lists
• Popular authors, like Grisham, Ludlum, Patterson, Stephen King, Alice Walker, Patricia Cornwell, Grafton, etc.
• Mysteries, horror, romance, books by African-American writers.

What we do not accept:

• Old magazines
• Old law books
• Text books
• Old classics
• Damaged materials, including books that are brown with age.
• Any material that compromises security, for example, materials on how to on build bombs, make weapons, martial arts, attack strategies, pornography, etc.

Anyone wishing to donate materials that fit these criteria may contact the Library coordinator for location and pickup point, or they may contact the librarian at a nearby location.