Donating books
We are always grateful for the support of the community in the form of donations of books for our prison libraries.
Books we need
There are certain kinds of books we always need, and others that usually aren’t particularly useful to us. For example, we always need dictionaries, thesauruses and atlases. But resources like out-of-date law books, university texts and computer manuals are generally not useful.
What we need most are paperback books which are new or in very good condition (no falling out pages, extensive underlining, stained/yellowing pages or dirty/dusty books) in the following categories:
| Reference | Non-Fiction | Fiction |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
Before donating books, please make sure any personal information is removed (for example names and addresses). Also check for photos, letters or other personal items.
Books which are not appropriate
- Out-of-date text or reference books
- Ex-library books
- Any books that are very old or in poor condition
- Books about weapons, fighting, making alcohol etc.
How to get books to us
Books can be dropped off by arrangement. Please contact one of our librarians or library assistants for details (see below).
If you have books you wish to donate, but getting them to us is difficult, we might be able to help.
Key contacts
Prison | Contact name | Phone | |
Auckland Prison Unable to accept donations at this time | Simon Comber | (09) 442 6676 | |
|
Mt Eden Corrections Facility Accepting donations on select subjects - contact the librarian for details. | Zoe Cornelius | zoe.cornelius@corrections.govt.nz | (09) 374 5350 |
Auckland Region Women's Corrections Facility | Librarian | No email | (09) 250 9564 |
Spring Hill Corrections Facility | Leah Cooper | (07) 826 0200 Ext 97333 | |
Waikeria Prison | Librarian | No email | (07) 872 6700 |
Tongariro | Librarian | No email | (07) 384 7608 |
Whanganui Prison | Anderina McLean | anderina.mclean@corrections.govt.nz | (06) 349 2263 |
Hawke’s Bay Prison | Maryanne Marsters | (06) 872 8000 Ext 77307 | |
| Manawatu Prison | Deborah Phillips | (06) 355 9331 | |
Rimutaka Prison Unable to accept donations at this time | Lori Smaling | (04) 529 1699 | |
Arohata (Women's) Prison Unable to accept donations at this time | Lori Smaling | (04) 231 3088 | |
Christchurch Men’s Prison Unable to accept donations at this time | Susan Smith Judith Wenborn | (03) 345 6490 Ext 73090 | |
Christchurch Women’s Prison Unable to accept donations at this time | Leah Coleman | (03) 344 6869 | |
Rolleston Prison Unable to accept donations at this time | Susan Smith | (03) 345 6490 Ext 73284 | |
Otago Corrections Facility | Moana Wahanui | (03) 417 9503 | |
Invercargill Prison | (03) 211 3452 |