The Bonner Leader Program at Wilkes University is turning pages into purpose this February with a new campus-wide book drive aimed at supporting incarcerated individuals in Washington, D.C.
Titled “From Wilkes to Washington: Empowering Change Through Reading,” the initiative invites students, faculty and staff to donate new or gently used books before Feb. 20. Collected books will be delivered during the Bonner Leaders’ upcoming spring break service trip to Washington, D.C., where students will partner with DC Books to Prisons, a nonprofit that distributes free books to incarcerated people across the United States.
Donation boxes are located on the first floor of the SUB, at the entrance of the library, on the first floor of Breiseth Hall and outside the POD in Stark Learning Center. Those interested can scan the QR code on the flyer for a list of most-needed genres or contact [email protected] to schedule a pickup.
According to Alicia Burns, Bonner Leader Program coordinator, this is the first time Wilkes has hosted a book drive specifically benefiting incarcerated individuals.
Burns stated that this event has not been done before.
The idea came as she and the Bonner Leaders began planning their annual spring break service immersion.
“As a part of identifying nonprofits in Washington, D.C. to support in preparation for our spring break trip, I was trying to find areas of need that we have not spent time serving for,” Burns said.
“Supporting the education of inmates and preparation for the release of inmates is something that I just have always been passionate about. So when I found this organization I asked the freshmen if that’s something they would want to support and there was no hesitation.” She continued.
The Bonner Leader Program is a nationally recognized civic engagement and service initiative that provides students with opportunities to serve their communities while developing leadership skills. At Wilkes, Bonner Leaders commit to ongoing community service during the academic year and often participate in service trips during breaks.
Organizations like DC Books to Prisons play a critical role in bridging educational gaps within the prison system. Access to books can provide incarcerated individuals with educational resources, vocational preparation materials and opportunities for personal growth. Many incarcerated people rely on donations because access to books inside correctional facilities can be limited by cost, policy restrictions and availability.
Burns emphasized that education and reentry preparation are often overlooked areas of service.
“Supporting the education of inmates and preparation for the release of inmates is something that I just have always been passionate about,” she said.
The project reflects the Bonner Program’s broader mission: to address systemic inequities through service and advocacy. By collecting books on campus and transporting them to Washington, D.C., students are engaging in a tangible act of support that extends beyond Wilkes.
Freshman Bonner student leader Joanna Elick said she was on board from the start.
“This book drive is important because I believe everyone deserves access to books and the opportunity to learn,” Elick said.
Joanna Elick also spoke about her interest in design, which fueled her enjoyment to help.
“I wanted to help not only for that reason, but also because I enjoy creating flyers and posters.”
The drive encourages donations of new or gently used books in approved genres. Because materials must meet prison guidelines, donors are urged to scan the QR code on the flyer to review specific requirements before dropping off items.
Burns said she hopes the event also sparks conversation on campus.
“I mean, how many humans have books just sitting around that they’re just going to either donate to the library, which is also a great cause, or just throw them away, unfortunately,” she said.
By redirecting those books to individuals who may not otherwise have access to them, the Bonner Leaders are turning an everyday object into a tool for empowerment.
The initiative also highlights the connection between Wilkes students and communities beyond northeastern Pennsylvania. While Wilkes University is rooted in Wilkes-Barre, its service impact often stretches across state lines.
“I spread the word as much as I could through conversation, hoping to spread the word,” Elick said. “Helping others and seeing the impact of my actions is incredibly rewarding!”
Donations will be accepted through Feb. 20, ahead of the Bonner Leaders’ departure for Washington, D.C., over spring break. Anyone with questions can contact Alicia Burns directly via email, and those unable to visit a drop-off location can arrange a pickup.
For more information about the nonprofit partner and its mission, visit dcbookstoprisoners.org.
As the yellow banner on the flyer reads, the goal is simple: spread the love of reading. Through a collective campus effort, the Bonner Leaders hope to remind incarcerated readers that their education, growth and futures still matter, one book at a time.