Justice and Unity for the Southern Tier

“It may feel like a little thing, to give books,” says Rebecca Ginsburg, director of the Education Justice Project. “Yet, while we work on those bigger structural changes, we need to make sure that the people who are currently locked up behind bars have what they need to survive, and to grow, to develop, and thrive.”

Justice and Unity for the Southern Tier (JUST), a grassroots anti-mass incarceration organization, is raising funds to support what we affectionately call the “Book of the Month Club.” This all volunteer-run project sends books at the request of people incarcerated in the Broome County Jail. In the past year alone, we sent in over 650 books providing those individuals with entertainment, a sense of normalcy, and literacy skills that will benefit them upon release. The cost of buying books accumulates quickly thanks to onerous jail rules limiting the number of allowable vendors. The project is not funded by the state nor from grants. All costs are covered by donations from the public, including generous university members, religious organizations, and members of the community. All donations go towards purchasing books.

Incarcerated individuals in the Broome County Jail are trapped in the jail without a clear understanding of when they will be released or transferred, a frightening limbo. Some have found themselves there for well over a year. Given the lack of educational or training programs, the jail’s pitifully small, difficult-to-access “library,” books are a coveted resource.

Everyone deserves the opportunity to read. We are grateful for any donations no matter how big or small. Our inside partners make every effort to share books with each other, so one book goes a long way!

Here is some of the feedback we’ve received:

"Thanks again, and we really do appreciate what y'all do. I know it sounds so simple, getting a book, but waking up with a new book slid under your door, is truly like Christmas morning in this environment of grey walls and constant routine."

"I greatly appreciate you taking the time to bring me a little light in this hard time of my life. . . I can't wait to see which book you send."

"Thank you very much, this news is the highlight of my day."

“Thank you so much for your time and consideration. You are appreciated so much by me and the other men that I pass the book along to after my reading it."

“Having crossword books is wonderful… I get to actually engage my brain and think! It is a mindless sad existence here… thank you again”