Commissioner Schnell, Let Our People Read!

? Take future action with a single click.
Log in or Sign up for FastAction

Contact Information

First Name Last Name

Street Address

Postal Code City State

Email Mobile Phone

Yes, sign me up for email updates.

Remember me so that I can use FastAction next time.

(Optional)

Additional Information

What is your connection to the prison system?

How would you like to get involved?

Organizer (attend bi-weekly meetings in person or on zoom)

Get trained to help individuals in prison with grievances / problems

Prisoner Buddy, talk weekly to someone in prison

Support -- add to email / text blasts about 1-time ways to help

Other

Personalize your subject

Dear [elected official],

Personalize your message

Dear Commissioner Schnell,

I am writing to and the legislators who represent me to ask that together you:

1. Rescind the restrictive policies on access to books dated 10/14/24 and 11/21/24; and 
2. Adopt the model policy here: “Adults in MN DOC custody may receive paperback or hardback books and publications in new or used condition from any nonprofit books to prisoners organization in the United States. Such books must be: sent via the U.S Postal Service; free of all contraband; not detrimental to institutional security; and provided free of charge to requestors. MN DOC will not restrict any adult in custody from requesting books and reading materials from such organizations.”
 
BACKGROUND

-Many methods are used to smuggle illicit drugs into correctional facilities. One method is to spray or soak paper and/or book pages with synthetic drugs and send the tainted items to recipients disguised as reading material, Amazon packages, personal letters, or privileged legal mail.

-Typically, the lions share of contraband enters correctional facilities on people, not through the mail

-On October 14, 2024, MN DOC prohibited incarcerated people from ordering books from online retailers such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc. and limited the number of approved book vendors to three: Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, and Hamilton Books. On 11/21/24, Deputy Commissioner Connie Jones signed this policy, expanding the list of approved vendors to six.

-Without access to the internet, there is no practical way for incarcerated people themselves to order or request books from any of these vendors. Few accept book orders over the phone, and most accept payment by credit card only. ER Hamilton will send a print book catalog and accepts payment via check/money order, but carries just 28,000 titles. The reality is that without a loved one on the outside with the disposable income and connectivity to order books, incarcerated readers in MN are out of luck.

-All of MN DOC's approved book vendors are commercial outlets charging full retail price. Incarcerated workers in Minnesota earn $0.25/hr. This is yet another example of families and friends being asked to bear the financial burden of having a loved one incarcerated. And already 18 books to prisoners nonprofits have signed on to help meet the needs of our incarcerated loved ones, for free.

-MN DOC’s tablet program is in disarray, and even those tablets still in working order contain only books included in Project Gutenberg (so old they are in the public domain, e.g., Shakespeare, Dickens, etc). The National Corrections Library/Project Gutenberg does not contain the kind of up-to-date books most incarcerated people wish to read.

-Reading is one of the healthiest, most constructive things an incarcerated person can do. Access to books and reading materials directly benefits institutional security and inmate rehabilitation.

As we go into the holiday and hibernation season we ask you to use common sense and heart to allow our loved ones access to books, while ensuring safe and secure facilities. The national prison book network is also willing to consult with you on this effort if helpful.

Thank you so much for your time and please get back to me at your earliest convenience if this is something you can do.

Sincerely, [Your information here]