For
well over a year we have been giving books to prison libraries and
education departments. About one year ago we also began giving books
to custody suites, and this year we have begun sending books direct
to people in prison. In all cases the books have met with very
positive reactions. - the letters we receive from prisoners and some
of the librarians prove that books, and some contact with the outside
make a gigantic difference to the way people feel.
OPEN
DAY
On
Sunday November 19 we are again holding an open day - but this time,
instead of sitting back and enjoying poetry and music, we will host a
discussion with the themes ARE PRISONERS OUR RESPONSIBILITY?
WHAT CAN WE DO TO FACILITATE THE REHABILITATION REVOLUTION AND WHAT
IS THE PURPOSE OF IMPRISONMENT? - From our point of view,
obviously we feel that prisoners are our responsibility and we enjoy
doing our best to send people the books they request. As for
rehabilitation, again, that's right up our street as we would love to
see prison leavers running Borderline Books branches around the
country.
The
discussion will be led by former prison governor Mike Kirby. Also on
the panel will be Jason Meecham from Durham Constabulary, who has
been helping spread the word to custody suites around the north;
Helen Attewell, CEO of NEPACS who run visitors centres at prisons in
the North East, Natalie Maidment of CLINKS, and representatives from
Open Gate and Probation (to be confirmed).
We
hope that learning more about the trajectory from police cells,
through prison and out the other side, with all the repercussions for
family life will encourage people to donate generously to help us
with the costs of keeping books flowing into prisons.
ART
AUCTION
To
encourage the spirit of giving, we will then hold an art auction with
some fabulous art pieces donated by Sophie
Howard, Padma Rao, Lesley Ellen Cooperwaite, Anne Curtis, Kathryn
Barnett, Mike Collier, Craig Puranen Wilson, Barrie West, Kathy
Geater, Coralie Morton, Tessa Green, Dreana Bulmer-Thompson, Rob
Winter and more. Our Patrons, David Crystal and Michael Rosen have
donated books and the whole auction will be brought to life by the
delightful actor, comedian and co-presenter of BBC Newcastle's Alfie
and Anna at Breakfast, Alfie Joey.
Sunday 19 November 12:00 - 18:00
Borderline Books, 5th Avenue Plaza,
Queensway North, Team Valley,
Gateshead NE11 0BL
