Appalachian Prison Book Project (APBP)
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appalachianpbp.bsky.social
Appalachian Prison Book Project (APBP)
@appalachianpbp.bsky.social
810 followers 160 following 170 posts
We send free books and provide educational opportunities to people incarcerated in Appalachia. 📖 https://appalachianprisonbookproject.org
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appalachianpbp.bsky.social
Appalachian Prison Book Project (APBP) @appalachianpbp.bsky.social · Jan 6
Welcome, new followers!

APBP is a grassroots, all-volunteer organization based in Morgantown, WV that sends free books and provides educational opportunities to people incarcerated in Appalachia.

Here's how you can support our work.
Four people standing in a small room. There are several bookshelves packed with books lining the walls. Two people are reading letters, one person is looking through the books on a shelf, and one person is reaching for a rubber band. Photograph by Raymond Thompson Jr. A bird's eye view of a person holding a letter and a book. They are standing near a bookshelf packed with books. The book they are holding has a red cover and printed with "Isaac Bashevis Singer, Love and Exile." Photograph by Raymond Thompson Jr. Three people standing around a small table. It looks like they are having a conversation. One person is holding a book. One person is leaning against a shelf. We can only see the arm of the third person. There is a fourth person sitting at the table holding a book and two letters. Photograph by Raymond Thompson Jr.
Reposted by Appalachian Prison Book Project (APBP)
prisonjournalism.bsky.social
"I had not touched a cat in 15 years when an orange kitten wandered over to sit with me in the grass one day. I was left without adequate words to describe that experience. It reminded me that I am alive."
When Kittens Came to My Prison, I Had Not Petted One in 15 Years
I had not touched a cat in 15 years when an orange kitten wandered over to sit with me in the grass.
prisonjournalismproject.org
January 31, 2025 at 3:32 AM
appalachianpbp.bsky.social
“Over the years, you guys have given me math, physics, and also school books to help with my GED. I also want you to know that because of all of your help, I was able to keep a 28-year-old promise to my dad.”

Read the rest of the letter below. 👇
appalachianpbp.bsky.social Appalachian Prison Book Project (APBP) @appalachianpbp.bsky.social · 3d
We received a stunning letter (with something special attached) this week from a man incarcerated in Virginia. We want to share it with you all.

Tldr: Books change lives. BOOKS CHANGE LIVES. And we couldn’t have helped this scholar without you. Thank you for your support.
A photo of a GED certificate. A photo of a handwritten letter. The text reads: “Dear Appalachian Prison Book Project, I am so very proud today to give you wonderful people a copy of my diploma. And why am I giving all you guys at APBP this copy? It’s because without you and all of your donations, I wouldn’t have been able to pass! Please don’t laugh guys, this is very serious to me. Over the years, you guys have given me math, physics, and also school books to help with my GED. I also want you to know that because of all of your help, I was able to keep a 28-year-old promise to my dad. You see, my father dropped out of school in grade school. So he never learned to read or write. I made a promise to him when I dropped out to go back and get my diploma when things got better. Well, 28 years later and here we are. Also, my 15 year old has ADD, and my youngest has autism, and I have ADHD myself. Well, because of you wonderful people at APBP, with your help in helping me, now you’re helping my sons also. Now they wanna be just like daddy . . . I thank each and every one of you so, so much. God bless you all. And go home and tell your husband or wife, children or friends that you changed a life for the better. I pray you can help me on my next venture in life also. See the next page. Thank you so much guys. For me, but most of all for my sons.”
November 23, 2025 at 1:52 PM
Reposted by Appalachian Prison Book Project (APBP)
prisonpolicy.org
While U.S. families struggle through an affordability crisis, mass incarceration still costs taxpayers $182 billion a year.

That's a lot of money that could be spent on communities instead of cages.
Flow chart showing that mass incarceration costs $182 billion each year
November 21, 2025 at 4:18 PM
Reposted by Appalachian Prison Book Project (APBP)
lydiamaewelker.bsky.social
Books change lives. ❤️
appalachianpbp.bsky.social Appalachian Prison Book Project (APBP) @appalachianpbp.bsky.social · 3d
We received a stunning letter (with something special attached) this week from a man incarcerated in Virginia. We want to share it with you all.

Tldr: Books change lives. BOOKS CHANGE LIVES. And we couldn’t have helped this scholar without you. Thank you for your support.
A photo of a GED certificate. A photo of a handwritten letter. The text reads: “Dear Appalachian Prison Book Project, I am so very proud today to give you wonderful people a copy of my diploma. And why am I giving all you guys at APBP this copy? It’s because without you and all of your donations, I wouldn’t have been able to pass! Please don’t laugh guys, this is very serious to me. Over the years, you guys have given me math, physics, and also school books to help with my GED. I also want you to know that because of all of your help, I was able to keep a 28-year-old promise to my dad. You see, my father dropped out of school in grade school. So he never learned to read or write. I made a promise to him when I dropped out to go back and get my diploma when things got better. Well, 28 years later and here we are. Also, my 15 year old has ADD, and my youngest has autism, and I have ADHD myself. Well, because of you wonderful people at APBP, with your help in helping me, now you’re helping my sons also. Now they wanna be just like daddy . . . I thank each and every one of you so, so much. God bless you all. And go home and tell your husband or wife, children or friends that you changed a life for the better. I pray you can help me on my next venture in life also. See the next page. Thank you so much guys. For me, but most of all for my sons.”
November 22, 2025 at 11:31 PM
appalachianpbp.bsky.social
We received a stunning letter (with something special attached) this week from a man incarcerated in Virginia. We want to share it with you all.

Tldr: Books change lives. BOOKS CHANGE LIVES. And we couldn’t have helped this scholar without you. Thank you for your support.
A photo of a GED certificate. A photo of a handwritten letter. The text reads: “Dear Appalachian Prison Book Project, I am so very proud today to give you wonderful people a copy of my diploma. And why am I giving all you guys at APBP this copy? It’s because without you and all of your donations, I wouldn’t have been able to pass! Please don’t laugh guys, this is very serious to me. Over the years, you guys have given me math, physics, and also school books to help with my GED. I also want you to know that because of all of your help, I was able to keep a 28-year-old promise to my dad. You see, my father dropped out of school in grade school. So he never learned to read or write. I made a promise to him when I dropped out to go back and get my diploma when things got better. Well, 28 years later and here we are. Also, my 15 year old has ADD, and my youngest has autism, and I have ADHD myself. Well, because of you wonderful people at APBP, with your help in helping me, now you’re helping my sons also. Now they wanna be just like daddy . . . I thank each and every one of you so, so much. God bless you all. And go home and tell your husband or wife, children or friends that you changed a life for the better. I pray you can help me on my next venture in life also. See the next page. Thank you so much guys. For me, but most of all for my sons.”
November 22, 2025 at 10:40 PM
appalachianpbp.bsky.social
We’re low on Wicca and 2026 world almanacs! Can you help by donating a paperback book? 🔮🌎

Mailing info:

Appalachian Prison Book Project
PO Box 601
Morgantown, WV 26507

All the books we receive are mailed for free to people behind bars. ✊
November 17, 2025 at 2:24 PM
appalachianpbp.bsky.social
Join us TONIGHT for our November community wrapping party! 🎉 We'll be at Ascend WV from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Stop by anytime. New and experienced volunteers welcome. No training required.

See you there! ✉️📖📦
A green event flyer with photos of books and people around tables. The text reads: "APBP presents. . . Community Wrapping Party. Help us wrap books to send to incarcerated people in Appalachia. When? November 12, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Where? Ascend WV, 1279 University Avenue. Questions? Contact us at AppalachianPBP@gmail.com."
November 12, 2025 at 4:39 PM
Reposted by Appalachian Prison Book Project (APBP)
appalachianpbp.bsky.social
We get 100-200 letters a week from people behind bars. Sometimes, they include artwork—whether on paper or on the envelope itself!

Check out this fantastic illustration from an incarcerated artist in West Virginia. 🛻
A pencil illustration of a truck with “APBP” on the side. The drawing is on the front of an envelope.
November 12, 2025 at 12:02 AM
Reposted by Appalachian Prison Book Project (APBP)
katyohearnryan.bsky.social
a new favorite 🖤
appalachianpbp.bsky.social Appalachian Prison Book Project (APBP) @appalachianpbp.bsky.social · 14d
We get 100-200 letters a week from people behind bars. Sometimes, they include artwork—whether on paper or on the envelope itself!

Check out this fantastic illustration from an incarcerated artist in West Virginia. 🛻
A pencil illustration of a truck with “APBP” on the side. The drawing is on the front of an envelope.
November 12, 2025 at 2:41 AM
appalachianpbp.bsky.social
We get 100-200 letters a week from people behind bars. Sometimes, they include artwork—whether on paper or on the envelope itself!

Check out this fantastic illustration from an incarcerated artist in West Virginia. 🛻
A pencil illustration of a truck with “APBP” on the side. The drawing is on the front of an envelope.
November 12, 2025 at 12:02 AM
appalachianpbp.bsky.social
Attention Morgantown, WV folks:

The Aull Center will close at 4:00 pm today (Monday, November 10) and tomorrow (Tuesday, November 11).
November 10, 2025 at 4:57 PM
appalachianpbp.bsky.social
We had a fabulous time wrapping books with the WVU Presidential Student Ambassadors. 📚
November 10, 2025 at 4:14 PM
appalachianpbp.bsky.social
"On June 9, 2023, an audience at Carnegie Hall witnessed an opera written by a person who had been convicted of murder, in collaboration with his fellow incarcerated artists. Over two years later, this fact is still striking to me."

Read this story in @inquest.bsky.social:
I’m in Prison. My Opera Was Performed at Carnegie Hall. - Joseph Wilson - Inquest
Inside Sing Sing, I turned my twenty-five-year sentence into music fit for one of the world’s greatest stages.
inquest.org
November 7, 2025 at 4:33 PM
appalachianpbp.bsky.social
Attention Morgantown, WV folks: Mark your calendars for our November wrapping party!

Join us at Ascend WV on Wed., Nov. 12 to help us send books to incarcerated people in Appalachia. Stop by anytime between 6-8 pm. New and experienced volunteers welcome.

See you there! ✉️📚📦
A green event flyer with photos of books and people around tables. The text reads: "APBP presents. . . Community Wrapping Party. Help us wrap books to send to incarcerated people in Appalachia. When? November 12, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Where? Ascend WV, 1279 University Avenue. Questions? Contact us at AppalachianPBP@gmail.com."
November 3, 2025 at 5:29 PM
appalachianpbp.bsky.social
For the curious, here are some stats from October 2025:

Total books logged: 368
Top state: Tennessee (118 books)
Top genre: Reference (76 books)
Book highlight: "Pastured Poultry Profits" by Joel F. Saltin, sent to Vincent in Virginia
November 1, 2025 at 10:29 PM
Reposted by Appalachian Prison Book Project (APBP)
lydiamaewelker.bsky.social
Please don’t wear a “prisoner” or “inmate” costume this Halloween. It’s dehumanizing.
October 31, 2025 at 1:39 PM
appalachianpbp.bsky.social
Happy Halloween! 🎃 Please think of incarcerated folks and their loved ones when putting on your costume tonight.
Stop Dressing as a “Prisoner” for Halloween
Wearing a “prisoner” or “inmate” Halloween costume is dehumanizing, perpetuates racist stereotypes, and trivializes the real lived experiences of incarcerated people.
appalachianprisonbookproject.org
October 31, 2025 at 1:36 PM
Reposted by Appalachian Prison Book Project (APBP)
aclu.org
It's Prison Banned Books Week — a week dedicated to shining a light on the widespread denial of incarcerated people's freedom to read.

We all have a First Amendment right to read and receive information, in and out of prison. Censorship has no place in a democracy.
Blue graphic with white and yellow text: "Jails and prisons ban more books than all public schools and libraries combined. Incarceration shouldn't strip us of our right to read." Red and yellow tinted photos of a jail cell and a stack of books in the bottom right.
October 19, 2025 at 11:33 PM
appalachianpbp.bsky.social
We have lots of books ready to be wrapped and mailed out to incarcerated folks! 📖

Volunteers, stop by anytime the Aull Center is open to help us get through this stack. 📚
October 24, 2025 at 2:17 AM
appalachianpbp.bsky.social
Join APBP, Mountaineers for Literacy and Liberation, and the Appalachian Advocacy Network for a screening of "Calls from Home" on Wed., Oct. 29 at 6 pm EST!

We'll be at WVU's Brooks Hall, Room 225. This event is free and open to the public. 🎥

RSVP at the link below. 👇
A purple event flyer. The text reads: "Film Screening: Calls from Home. Join Mountaineers for Literacy and Liberation for a screening of Calls from Home, a documentary about a radio show in Eastern Kentucky connecting incarcerated people to their loved ones outside. Stick around for a discussion about the Campaign to Free the MS Five and ways we can create freedom alongside our neighbors inside. This event is free and open to the public. Oct. 29, 6PM-8PM, Room 225, Brooks Hall. RSVP using QR code."
October 17, 2025 at 5:26 PM
Reposted by Appalachian Prison Book Project (APBP)
prisonjournalism.bsky.social
"Out came a tan, brown and black ball of fur. It had a face like a hamster, a compact body and long, floppy ears. Thinking it was a rat, I screamed."
The Day I Met a Bunny in Prison
After encountering the rabbit, I returned to my housing unit with a smile on my face and a story to share.
prisonjournalismproject.org
October 16, 2025 at 4:35 PM
appalachianpbp.bsky.social
Join us TONIGHT for our October community wrapping party! 🎉 We'll be at Ascend WV from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Stop by anytime. New and experienced volunteers welcome. No training required.

See you there! ✉️📖📦
October 15, 2025 at 3:28 PM
appalachianpbp.bsky.social
Today is the last day of our #BannedBooksWeek fundraiser! Donate a book from any of our indie bookstore partner wish lists and your gift will be matched.

It’s an easy way to double your gift, expand access to literature behind bars, and stand against censorship. 📚
A maroon and gray flyer with a photo of books on shelves in the background. The text reads: “Banned Books Week. Appalachian Prison Book Project. Support the freedom to READ. October 5-11, 2025. Purchase a book from our indie bookstore wish lists and your donation will be matched! @AppalachianPBP.”
October 11, 2025 at 5:20 PM
Reposted by Appalachian Prison Book Project (APBP)
bookshop.org
We believe in the power of stories that teach us the importance of inclusivity and empathy—and we believe in protecting them. #BannedBooksWeek #FreedomToRead
October 9, 2025 at 3:03 PM
appalachianpbp.bsky.social
We’re out of 2025 world almanacs and low on dictionaries—two of our most popular requests. Can you help us stock up?

It’s #BannedBooksWeek, too, which means that if you purchase a book from our indie bookstore partner wish lists and donate it to APBP, your gift will be matched.
A maroon and gray flyer with a photo of books on shelves in the background. The text reads: “Banned Books Week. Appalachian Prison Book Project. Support the freedom to READ. October 5-11, 2025. Purchase a book from our indie bookstore wish lists and your donation will be matched! @AppalachianPBP.”
October 6, 2025 at 4:04 PM