On December 1, San Quentin’s library hosted a Christmas book fair, which provided a vast selection of books for hundreds of residents to send to their loved ones.
Friends of San Quentin Library, a nonprofit organization, had collaborated with Bay Area libraries to donate more than 800 books.
“We are hoping to provide connection, to spread the love of reading, and to open the SQ Library to a bigger community,” said Kristi Kenney, the founder of Friends of SQ Library.
The idea for a family literacy event began when FOSQL was unsure what to do with a donation they received from Larkspur Library. Resident Kai Bannon suggested a book fair to Kenney and it has grown from there.
Attending the fair for the first time, resident Rick Namey searched the selections to find the perfect gift for his four-year-old son, Joseph.
“This is one of the best things I’ve ever seen since I’ve been in prison. It makes me feel great that I can do something for my son,” Namey said.
He expressed his thanks to everyone who made the gifts a reality.
Friends Khiem Tran and Han Dueong delighted at the variety of reading material and the opportunity to strengthen their bonds with their families.
“I appreciate this opportunity to connect with my son and show him how the power of reading can enhance knowledge,” Tran said.
Dueong, incarcerated at the time of the birth of his niece and nephew, aims to stay connected in every way possible. “I want to know them, make a connection, and show I will be a part of their life from now on.”
Although sending books home might feel like a bittersweet experience for some residents, a spirit of appreciation and joy filled the atmosphere. Resident Maurice White had his hands full with the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” books he sent to his children. “It’s a blessing and I highly appreciate this opportunity,” he said.
Resident Jesus Barquin said he appreciates the book fair, for without events like this one and Toys-for-Tots, he could not send anything to his eight-year-old granddaughter. “I don’t have funds, nor am I there. Hopefully she understands this is what I can send her.”
“It makes me happy and sad; happy to send her something from me, but sad to not be there to give it to her,” Barquin said. He said he felt great when he received a picture from her after the last time he sent her a gift.
Volunteers Pam Franklin and Lisa Joss of Book Passage bookstore and Diana St. James of the Larkspur Library came to San Quentin to help. Book Passage donated books, as did the Berkeley Public Library and the Larkspur Library.
“It is a gift to encourage literacy and education. Reading is a ticket to success in life and education opens the world,” Franklin said.
Berkeley’s children’s librarian Michael Kwende helped with book selections for younger readers. He felt great joy in helping the residents choose books that would suit their loved ones.
“I am surprised by the number of residents interested in the program,” Kwende said.
SQ’s librarian Charlotte Sanders said that reading with someone strengthens bonds. She said the event “melted her heart” as she watched residents carefully select books for their loved ones.
“It’s thrilling to bring light into a dark place, to bring connections and bonds,” Sanders said.
Resident librarian Deuce Williams was happy that he could offer input in the selection and organization process of the second book fair. As a father of four children, he believes in the importance of youth literacy and said a book fair encourages children to read.
“My kids do book reports once a month; I encourage them to read and write,” Williams said.
