Incarcerated people deserve books to read for enjoyment, education, and connection. However, PEN America notes that "prisons are the largest censors in the United States" due to book banning, strict packaging rules, and a firm adherence to an allowed senders list. This session will be led by booksellers who have navigated this bureaucratic and confusing terrain to develop crucial book programs for incarcerated people. You'll leave this session with actionable steps you can take to develop a similar program in your own bookstore and community.

Recorded February 26, 2026 at Winter Institute 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA.

Additional bookstore education resources can be found at www.bookweb.org.

Theme song by Constant Companion