Thank you for considering the libraries at the Mecklenburg County jails as recipients of your book donations. Reading is an extremely important part of an inmate's life both as a learning experience and a pastime. Therefore, your donations are a significant part of our efforts to make as many books as possible available.

Following are criteria for you to use to evaluate books you are considering donating to the inmate library. These criteria assure the best use of your donation and that we adhere to the restrictions of an institutional library

Types of books accepted:

Adult fiction including bestsellers, mysteries and westerns.

Adult nonfiction including biographies (especially athletes), history, humor.

Juvenile and young adult fiction and nonfiction for inmates with less developed reading skills.

Paperbacks or hardbacks are acceptable.

Please inspect the book for:

torn covers and pages

writing or highlighting

unglued spines

water damage

brittle, yellow, cracking pages

unpleasant smells

personal items: names, address labels, old letters, newspaper clippings, bookmarks etc.

mold or mildew (These organisms can spread to other books, potentially damaging entire collections. When airborne, they are also a respiratory hazard for library workers.)

Inmates are held responsible for the condition of books. Therefore, already damaged books only serve to confuse the issue

Books not accepted:

Textbooks are not useful. Specific learning materials are purchased for educational classes.

Harlequin brand or other similar low-quality romance novels.

How to Donate Books

If you have numerous boxes or bags of books,

Contact the Sheriff's Office librarian at
704-336-3565.

The librarian will make arrangements to meet with you and review the books before moving them.

After reviewing the contents, arrangements for transportation will be made.

If you wish to donate a single box or bag of books,

Jail-North, 5235 Spector Dr., is the depository for all donated books.

Please call 704-336-3565 to assure that someone is available to receive your donation.