Tucker bookstore accepts donations for state prison libraries

Black Dog Books in downtown Tucker will accept book donations from the public for the entire month of November. The independent bookstore is holding its first annual Booksgiving event, a drive designed to send new titles to libraries within the Georgia Department of Corrections system. The initiative runs from November 1 through November 30.

The bookstore opened in June at 2323 Main Street, located on the second floor. During the drive, customers can place donations in bins positioned outside the front door. The store accepts books during all hours of operation.

According to the Georgia Department of Corrections, prison libraries provide materials that inspire and educate both staff and inmates. These libraries support academic and vocational education programs that help reduce recidivism. They also include a fully integrated Law Library for offender legal research. Advocates for prison literacy note that access to books supports educational advancement and mental health.

Donors must follow specific guidelines for the books they donate. Spiral bound volumes are not accepted. Books must be in good condition without any writing or annotations. Content featuring nudity, explicit sexual or violent material, and textbooks are prohibited. Both paperback and hardback formats are welcome.

Prison libraries have specific requests for popular genres. Westerns, mysteries, thrillers, and self-help titles are in high demand. Graphic novels and instructional hobby or trade books are also sought after. New fiction by popular authors rounds out the list of preferred topics.