The Inside Books Project (IBP) is a books-to-prisons collective founded in 1998 in Austin, Texas. IBP receives over 2,000 requests for books a month from people across the state. Over the years, IBP's incarcerated patrons have sent art, poetry, writing, crafts, and other materials as a thank-you to volunteers and as a means of expression. The IBP Archive (IBPA) was founded in 2015 to preserve and share these materials. The Archive is also documenting IBP Collective History, and TDCJ censorship practices, reflected in records issued to IBP when books sent to patrons are confiscated and destroyed.
To support IBP's documentation initiatives, please consider becoming a sustainer for $5-20 a month. For one-time donations, general inquiries, or volunteer opportunities, email us at insidebooksarchive@gmail.com
Featured Item
Watercolor Reflections on PTSD
Watercolor painting submitted as part of a series of reflections on creative expression, Autism awareness, mental health, coping, and trauma.…
Featured Collection
Texas Department of Criminal Justice Censorship Records
Records from TDCJ mailrooms banning books sent to incarcerated patrons from Inside Books Project. Patrons can choose to pay to mail back the…
Recently Added Items
Watercolor Reflections on PTSD
Watercolor painting submitted as part of a series of reflections on creative expression, Autism awareness, mental health, coping, and trauma.…
"Thanks to a Friend"
Pen drawing of two transfemme people surrounded by books labeled "Happiness and Hope," L.G.B.T.Q," and "Thanks to a Friend." The draiwng also features…
Denial form for "Drawing: A Contemporary Approach" by Teel Sale and Claudia Betti
Denial form for "Drawing: A Contemporary Approach" by Teel Sale and Claudia Betti due to "sexually explicit images."
Denial form for "Dante’s Divine Comedy: A Graphic Adaptation" by Seymour Chwast
Denial form for "Dante’s Divine Comedy: A Graphic Adaptation" by Seymour Chwast due to "sexually explicit images." Patron requested appeal.
Denial form for "Dessa Rose" by Sherley A Williams
Denial form for "Dessa Rose" by Sherley A Williams because "(d) a specific determination has been made that the publication is detrimental to…
Denial form for "The Best of the Group of Seven" by Joan Murray
Denial form for "The Best of the Group of Seven" by Joan Murray because it "contains sexually explicit images."