The Book Rooms at HMP Wormwood Scrubs

In 2014 we were asked by HMP Wormwood Scrubs to help set up their first Book Room. This Book Room would be opened in 2015, complementing the existing library and encouraging recreational reading for prisoners in an informal setting.

There was enthusiastic support for the project, and the first Book Room opened in 2015. At the start of 2020 there were Book Rooms open on all 5 Wings in HMP Wormwood Scrubs, being regularly restocked with new books from Give a Book, and book donations from publishers, authors, booksellers, other charities and embassies.

“Without people like you who care what happens in our prisons people like me wouldn’t stand a chance. [The] book rooms idea is fantastic, really I can just imagine the impact they’ll have.” Erwin James

“Libraries are all important in prisons. Apart from books, all kinds of events and projects start in libraries or are held there. However, as we all know, staff cuts have made it harder to get into libraries. Wormwood Scrubs has come up with an excellent answer to the problem: a Book Room on each wing… Unlike in a library, the books are put on shelves uncategorised, as they might be in a home. Also, men can take them out any time without signing anything or, if they prefer, settle down and read at a table…” Rachel Billington