Providence Concert for Books Through Bars
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Three of Providence's favorite musicians are banding together tonight to raise money for an excellent organization.
Books Through Bars is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization with the mission of sending free books and resource guides to incarcerated men and women who seek education. In a system sorely lacking material and motivation for self-improvement, Books Through Bars fills a crucial gap.
No wonder the cause attracted local favorites Joe Fletcher & the Wrong Reasons, Dennis Emsley's Hiding Behind Youth, and Daniel Chase, who will all be taking the stage tonight at Bell Street Chapel at 8pm.
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According to organizers, prisons won't allow individuals to send books to prisoners; they must come from a publisher or bookstore. This is partly why prison book programs have cropped up nationwide. Further, prisoners who write to BTB say they have little access to educational opportunities. While most prisons provide GED programming, many prisoners sit on waiting lists for several years before they can enroll. And prisoners housed in segregation units are not able to participate in classes or programs. Finally, prison libraries are often under-funded.
Here in Rhode Island, it costs $3 to package a set of books for shipping, and currently, BTB is halted in its work for lack of funding. Which is why tonight's event is more crucial than ever.
Books have never been more important, and tonight's fundraiser offers a sweet night out and a way to support a fundamental educational need.
Benefit Concert for Providence Books Through Bars, May 14, 8pm, Bell Street Chapel, 5 Bell St, Providence. $10 advance ticket sales available online, here, 'til 10am. After that, $12 at the door, $10/seniors, students, and Bell St. Chapel members. Doors open at 7pm.
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