Thanks to the efforts of a young lover of books, Arohata Prison library has increased its book collection by 150 books.

Meredith, a year 10 Queen Margaret College student, was awarded a Whanonga Pono award for her commitment in finding books to be donated to the prison library. Corrections' Whanonga Pono awards recognise teams or individuals who champion our Ara Poutama Aotearoa values exceptionally well.

Prison libraries cater to the educational, rehabilitation and recreational needs of people in prison, providing them with a constructive way to spend their time. The key role the library plays in prisoners’ lives shines through feedback, such as, “I didn’t read until I came to prison”, and “I don’t know what I would do if we didn’t have a library”.

The recent donation to Arohata Prison was very much appreciated, as prison libraries do rely on book donations to keep stock updated.

The book donation initiative was part of a Kaupapa Hapori project (community project) which involved identifying a need in a community and finding a solution.

The student contacted Arohata Prison and asked if she could base her project around fundraising for new books for the prison library.

Prison management readily approved. “Her commitment for finding avenues for books to be donated was incredible, she spent hours upon hours contacting New Zealand authors, publishers, MPs, universities, bookstores, libraries and completing book donation drives. On top of that, Meredith had bake sales to raise funds to purchase new and second-hand books,” says Deputy General Manager Michelle Bussey.

The final result was a donation of more than 150 books, and included a catalogue spreadsheet with a synopsis for each book and 150 handmade bookmarks for the women.

Michelle and the Arohata Librarian attended Queen Margaret College to recognise the student’s achievement and present the Whanonga Pono award.

“In the school assembly in front of her teachers and peers, I was able to thank her for her innovative project and the incredible impact the donations had on the prison library and for the enjoyment of the women.”

Prison libraries are grateful for donations of books, although not all prison libraries are able to accept donations.

If you would like to make a donation, contact your closest prison library at the email listed on our website.