Dear John,

We’re excited to share that ARC has launched a book drive in honor of Black History Month. We are collecting soft-covered books written by Black authors to distribute to youth housed in three Los Angeles-based juvenile halls: Campus Kilpatrick, Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall, and Central Juvenile Hall. 

Click here to view our Bookshop Wishlist or here to view our Amazon List to join us in our book drive for detained youngsters. Any books you order through those links will be mailed to us and delivered to these LA juvenile halls. Additionally, you are welcome to leave books in the LA office (located in The Row DTLA, 787 S Alameda St.). Please remember that only soft-cover books are permitted inside when you make your selection. 

There are limited opportunities and activities for incarcerated youth to participate in within these institutions, with very few programming, activities, and books available. To give these youth the chance to read for pleasure, education, and hope, ARC plans to establish small libraries inside, with your help. 

Kent Mendoza, ARC Manager of Advocacy and Community Organizing and past resident of Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall, said it best: 

“Books saved my life inside, by giving me curiosity, thoughts and thinking, and the ability to escape my reality of a jail cell into a universe of unlimited possibilities and realities. Books empowered me to lean into my own self, and the youth inside desperately need access to more stories and readings to expand their horizons.” 

We value and appreciate your support of our efforts to empower incarcerated youth and assist them in becoming their best selves. Thank you in advance for any books you send along! 

Sincerely,
Sam Lewis
Executive Director
Anti Recidivism Coalition