A Celebration of Prison Book Program

Join Wellesley Books and Prison Book Program Executive Director Kelly Brotzman, together with Calvin Arey, who discovered the power of books when he was incarcerated in the 1970s, for a discussion of PBP and a celebration of what they do.

This is a free event but we ask that you RSVP. If you would prefer to RSVP by phone, you may call Wellesley Books at 781-431-1160.

Books from the Prison Book Program wishlist will be available for purchase at the event.

ABOUT PRISON BOOK PROGRAM

In the last six years, Wellesley Books has sent more than 120 bags and boxes of new books to the Prison Book Program, and that is all thanks to you!

The Prison Book Program believes in the life-changing power of literature. Books give people the chance to learn, grow, and explore the worlds of their choosing. Since 1972, the Prison Book Program has been sending free books to individuals in prisons. Along with each hand-selected package, volunteers send personalized notes to each reader--because everyone deserves the freedom to read. To learn more about what the Prison Book Program offers (and to see how you can volunteer), please visit their website at www.prisonbookprogram.org. (And while you're there, do visit their gallery of art created by artists in prison.)

ABOUT THE SPECIAL GUESTS

Kelly Brotzman is the Executive Director of Prison Book Program, a nonprofit organization founded in 1972 which supports people in prisons and jails across the country by sending them free, high-quality books and reading materials that match their specific needs and interests. Under Kelly's leadership, PBP has grown tremendously, holding nearly 200 volunteer sessions per year and expanding to serve incarcerated readers in all 50 states. Her passion for connecting people inside and outside the American prison system comes from her experiences teaching college classes in prisons and volunteering with incarcerated people.

Prior to joining PBP, Kelly spent 20 years in higher education. She directed service learning and social justice programs and taught courses about inequality. Kelly has a PhD in social ethics from the University of Chicago. In her free time, she likes looking at contemporary art and antiques and being outside, preferably with dogs.

(Photo credit Deborah Gravina)

Calvin Arey directs the Albert Woodfox Memorial Mini-Freedom Libraries (AWMMFL), a fiscally sponsored project of Prison Book Program. Calvin spent several years incarcerated in Virginia, Connecticut and Massachusetts in the 1960’s and 1970’s. He is the only surviving lead plaintiff from the landmark prisoners’ rights case Landman v. Royster, which de-segregated Virginia’s prison system, established basic due process rights for incarcerated people, and put an end, among other things, to bread and water diets for people in solitary confinement.

Calvin’s history-making life and his freedom libraries have been chronicled in Richmond Magazine.

(Photo credit Alex Gagne)