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book program

Our free library material funding program supports individuals facing the United States' dehumanizing migrant detention system, helping  maintain a sense of dignity, identity, and community. Nonprofits can receive funding to provide each detained client with library materials of their choice, including books, journals, and writing supplies.

Due to our limited funds, we suggest limiting your purchase to $40 or less per participant per month. If your request exceeds that amount, it is possible we may not be able to fund it.

To be eligible, recipients must be:

  • Currently detained by ICE in the United States
  • Referred by a registered nonprofit organization
Request FundsFrequently Asked Questions
Illustration of women holding books
Illustration of a stack of books showing the benefits to a person's well-being

Why Books?

Books and journals offer detained migrants more than just a pastime—they create a crucial connection to the outside world. In an environment where freedom is restricted, the power of reading and writing becomes even more profound. These resources foster mental well-being, empower self-expression, and can be a lifeline of support during difficult times.
Request library funds
“A lot of people don’t understand how a book can make a difference to someone inside. They don’t know the hardship of just being in here. Receiving a book and knowing there are people out there that really care for other people, it just makes you feel special. It makes you feel like everything’s going to be better.”

MSC Program Participant

Request Funding for Library Materials

Please send the questions and answers below to info@migrantsupportcollective.org from your nonprofit email. We will let you know if your request was approved within 72 hours. Thank you!

Before submitting, please ensure that your email includes:
  • Proof of the book purchase showing the total cost
  • No identifying information of the recipient (e.g. name, A #, date of birth, etc.)
  • Your name:
  • Nonprofit organization:
  • Detention center & state where the recipient is detained:
  • Recipient’s initials:
  • Does this individual identify as LGBTQIA*? (Y/N/Prefer not to answer)
  • Recipient’s primary language:
  • Is this the first request for this individual this month? (Y/N)
  • Title & total cost of book(s): (up to $30 per individual monthly, incl. tax & shipping)
  • PayPal email address or Venmo username & phone number:

*An answer regarding LGBTQIA identity is not required, nor does it impact eligibility for receiving library materials. It is helpful for us to know how many of the people we serve identify as LGBTQIA so that we can consider creating LGBTQIA-specific supportive programming in the future.

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How It Works

1. Purchase Materials

Be sure to check your detention center's package policy, as most only accept items from Amazon. For alternatives, see our list of value-aligned stores under the Requesting FAQs.

2. Submit Form

Fill out the request form below using your nonprofit email address. For confidentiality and approval, please do not include any identifying information about the recipient.

3. Get Reimbursed

Once approved, we will transfer the funds via Venmo. This typically takes 2-3 days, but may be longer if more information is needed.