Oconee Sheriff seeks help to replenish Oconee Jail library, Democrats respond with paperback book drive

The Oconee Democrats have kicked off a book drive to collect paperbacks for inmates at the Oconee County jail.

Pat Priest, the organizer for the Oconee Democrats’ monthly community book group, described the group’s impetus for the drive. “Local Democrats,” she said, "wanted to share our love of good books and libraries so that inmates have something productive and uplifting to do while in jail. Research reported in Scientific American also suggests that reading literature boosts empathy and social skills.”

Margaret Holt, the new chair of the Oconee County Democrats, commented, "We support ways to give all people in our community a chance to improve their lives, and we deeply value the positive power of reading."

Amber Shelnutt, Inmate Services Coordinator at the Oconee County jail, said, “Some of the inmates have nothing; they may be homeless. Having a choice in what they read can give them a sense of independence.” 

Officer Shelnutt continued, “We try to provide inmates with educational materials — including books about religion or recovery — so that their time is as productive as possible.” Inmates can check out one religious or recovery book (such as those on overcoming narcotics or alcohol addiction) and 2 other books once a week. 

Sheriff Scott Berry said that novels as well as non-fiction are popular and would be welcomed. “But," he added, “no books on tunneling.” 

Officer Shelnutt said the jail is always in need of books and could also use another book cart and a book shelf at the facility.

One important stipulation is that all books donated must be softcover. Collection sites are at the Athens West Cleaners (in the Kroger shopping center), the Farmington Depot in Farmington, and The Krimson Kafe and Let it Be Yoga in Watkinsville. 

The book drive will last through April 30th. 

For more information on the drive or the monthly community book group, which meets the last Wednesday of each month at Chops and Hops, contact Pat Priest at oconeebooks@gmail.com.