Books for Prisoners group to hold fundraiser

After a dip in donations, a Gainesville group that sends books to inmates is asking for help.

Gainesville Books for Prisoners, which sends out about $40 to $70 worth of books every week to state and federal prisoners in Florida, will hold a fundraising concert Saturday at the Civic Media Center, said group member Emily Sparr.

Local artists such as Akin Yai and Ironing will perform at the show, which is scheduled to run from 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m., according to the concert’s Facebook event page. The center is located at 433 S. Main Street.

Donations of $5 to $10 are encouraged, according to the event page.

“We appreciate anything folks can give,” Sparr, a 33-year-old Gainesville resident, said. “We can’t do this project without a lot of support, so we appreciate everyone’s contributions so much.”

The group is an offshoot of the national Books for Prisoners organization. About three years ago, a group of locals started the Gainesville branch, Sparr said.

The group, in partnership with the Pride Community Center of North Central Florida, ships out two to four books per package depending on what prisoners ask for in letters sent to the group, she said. Some inmates ask for specific titles or genres.

“Books are not only a safe way to spend time in prison, they are also tools for self-improvement and social justice,” Sparr said.

Donations usually run low after summer break because most people are out of town, so there are not many people available to help with fundraising, Sparr said.

The concert Saturday will help the group continue to fund its operations, she said, although the group is not looking to raise a specific amount of money.

Kara Vachon, a 20-year-old UF finance junior, said she was unaware of the organization but pleased to hear someone cared about prisoners’ education.

“Once they are out of prison, if applicable, they can contribute to society in a positive manner through the mental stimulation received in prison,” she wrote in a text message.