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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Enrolling an Inmate in “Escape through Books”
“How are books donated?"
Books may be dropped off at the store during business hours (Wed. to Sat., 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). You may also organize a book drive. (See “Book Drives”)
“What kind of books do you accept?”
We accept adult or children’s fiction or non-fiction in good condition, as well as books on CD or tape.
Due to limited space we cannot accept videos, magazines, abridged editions such as Reader’s Digest, textbooks, encyclopedias, or other educational material.
We cannot use books that are torn, warped, excessively creased, stained, mildewed, with odors, or that have loose bindings. We request that you dispose of these books through your personal recycling services.
“What does The Book Bag do with the books?”
The Book Bag is a 501 (3)(c ) non-profit organization. We operate much like a thrift store, in that we solicit donations of used books, clean them up, shelve only the best, and sell them at very low prices in the retail store.
We re-distribute books that we cannot sell in the store through the “Escape through Books” program, as well as to the Ventura County Jail, juvenile detention centers, churches, and schools.
We also sell excess inventory for $1.00 or less at our semi-annual sidewalk sales. Proceeds from these sales are donated to local literacy programs.
“How do I sponsor a book drive?”
We welcome all offers to organize a book drive within these guidelines:
Schedule the book drive in advance with our store manager, Denise Powell. She must be able to plan for the time, space and labor needed to sort and store the books.
If you are working with our Director of Business Development, Sue Engler, she will help coordinate the book drive with Denise.
Please recognize that although you may have a specific target program for the book drive (i.e., youth detention center, “Escape through Books”) we cannot guarantee that every donated book will go to that program. We can assure you, however, that every book will find a home.
Please follow the pre-sorting guidelines provided to you by the store manager (Denise Powell).
- Trash: Toss or recycle
- Adult fiction
- Adult non-fiction
- Children’s books
- Pre-determine with Denise how the books will be transported and the time of the delivery.
“What is the best way to donate money or stamps?”
You may donate cash or checks by mail to our address, or use the PayPal link here below if you would like to use your credit card.
($25.00 covers the cost of shipping 16 books to 8 prison inmates)
Because we are a non-profit organization, your company may have a matching gifts program. We will supply needed documentation for you to apply for matching funds on our behalf.
All donations are tax deductible
“May I designate how I want cash or stamp donations to be used?”
Yes. If you are interested in donating to the “Escape through Books” program, you may donate stamps or cash on behalf of an individual inmate, the general scholarship fund, or for shipping materials.
If you donate stamps on behalf of an inmate, be sure to include his or her
name, CDC# and address, and any special instructions for shipping. Let us
know as soon as possible if the inmate is transferred to another facility or
a new location within the current facility so books will not be lost or
delayed.
Enrolling an Inmate in “Escape through Books” Top
“How do I help an inmate enroll in this program?”
The Escape through Books program provides books to inmates at California State Prisons. Due to local jail restrictions, books cannot be provided to county jail inmates. In order for a prison inmate to participate in the “Escape through Books” program, (s)he must write to The Book Bag requesting that (s)he be included in the program. No books will be sent without a personal, written request from the inmate.
In this letter, inmates should specify the genre and/or authors (s)he would like to receive. Inmates must also accurately include their CDC number, housing assignment and mailing address.
With the first shipment of books, inmates receive a program description, which explains how they can request and receive additional books.
“Do you accept credit or debit cards in the retail store?”
No. We accept cash and checks only for the purchase of books, due to the high cost of credit and debit card processing. However, we accept PayPal donations through the link here below. All donations are tax deductible
A Non-Profit Corporation is a corporation that is organized and operated for one of the non-profit purposes recognized under State and Federal Tax Statutes.
We are a 501 (3)(c ) non-profit organization. Our mission is to promote literacy and the love of reading.
“What do you do with your profits?”
Proceeds from the sale of books in our retail store are used to cover our operating expenses and fund a reserve to cover unexpected expenses.
Proceeds from our semi-annual sidewalk sales are donated to local literacy programs such as the Conejo Valley Adult Literacy Program and the Many Mansions After-School Program.
“Do you provide tax-deductible receipts?”
Yes. As a qualified non-profit, we provide tax deductible receipts for donations: money, books, supplies, materials, etc.
Trade or Purchase of Books Top
“Do you exchange or purchase books?”
No
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Copyright © 2005
The Book Bag
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