The Book Bridges program helps children transcend the bars that separate them from their incarcerated loved ones.
Parents are trained to read aloud to their children on video, forming healthy and lasting bonds and learning about the importance of reading aloud with children.
Volunteer facilitators offer tips and tools to make the shared reading experience fun and valuable to the child. After the incarcerated parents read aloud on video, the video link and story book are sent to the children at home to be enjoyed time and again.
85% of children reported that they enjoy reading more.
97% of incarcerated parents reported becoming more aware of importance of reading with the child.
82% of families have an improved relationship with their incarcerated family member.
“My son was extremely proud of the book afterwards, carrying it around with him everywhere. He then later decides to re-read the book to his baby brother!”
Mother of 5-year-old and 1-year-old boys who received a book and DVD from incarcerated parent
“... I eagerly and excitedly watched and read the book several times with my daughter. Would you guys please allow him to do more readings? Pretty please!” Letter from mother of 7-year-old girl who received book and DVD from incarcerated sibling
“It was a great connection every night. My daughter was able to say good night to Daddy. That warmed our hearts. It made us remember that he has a soft side and he still cares.” Mother of child who received book and DVD from incarcerated parent.
“This is priceless... It actually touches my children unlike other means... Anytime they pick up a book they will remember that I took the time to care enough to read to them, together. Please continue to bring our kids a smile.” Father reading to two sons and two daughters. They have been apart for 4 years.
“Volunteering for Reading Legacies comes with an invisible badge of honor that I wear proudly on my heart, knowing that, through the book which an inmate reads and the video of him reading it, a bond with his child/ren is made and/or sustained.” Reading Legacies Family Connections Volunteer
“My son is starting to take his books to school and the teacher reads the books to the classroom. He enjoys the books his dad sends him and yes he’s learning how to read. Thank you very much.” Mother of 6-year-old boy who received book and DVD from incarcerated parent
Federal Tax ID #27-0523331
Reading Legacies Reading Legacies Family Connections Counselor Family Connections Graduates