Oregon Women Lawyers Hold Book Drive for Coffee Creek Women’s Correctional Facility
Judge Janet Stauffer assisting with the Oregon Women Lawyer’s book drive 10 years ago. Contributed photo.
By Cole Goodwin
The Dalles, Ore., May 10, 2024 – The Oregon Women Lawyers (OWLs) will be conducting their annual book drive to support the library at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility, Oregon’s only women’s prison, May 13-29. There will be book collection boxes situated near the court clerks' offices in courthouses at The Dalles, Hood River, Condon, Wasco, and Fossil.
The Coffee Creek library plays an important role in providing educational and recreational resources to inmates. This year’s initiative is especially significant as it resumes following interruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Senior Judge Janet Stauffer, who is coordinating the drive for the 7th Judicial District, emphasized the generous nature of communities across the state and the impact of local book drive efforts.
"I helped with the book drive several times over the years. Some years we collected so many books that we were able to skip a year or two. Then, of course, COVID came into play, and the drive did not happen for a couple of years," said Senior Judge Janet Stauffer. “The book drive enriches the collection of books available to the women incarcerated at Coffee Creek.”
Stauffer shared that books which cater to a wide range of reading abilities and interests are needed. Both hard and soft cover books are acceptable. Books on CD are also acceptable. No books on tape or magazines are allowed. Any form of fiction is acceptable. Mysteries, romance, and science fiction/fantasy are the most popular.
“The women at Coffee Creek have a wide range of reading abilities. Books written for young adults are particularly needed,” said Stauffer.
Nonfiction is also acceptable. And children’s books are also welcome, as they provide educational and bonding opportunities for inmates and their visiting children. There is an enormous need for books in Spanish, Russian, and other languages.
The books must be in good to excellent condition.
“The CCCF library is a circulating library so a book that is in only fair shape to begin with just won't last very long,” said Stuaffer.
Over the past decade, Oregon Women Lawyers have collected thousands of books, significantly enhancing the educational, recreational, and personal growth resources available to incarcerated women.
“Each year, members and friends of Oregon Women Lawyers collect books that are in good to excellent condition to donate to the Coffee Creek Correctional Facility. The result is that over the past decade, thousands of books have been provided to the Coffee Creek Correctional Facility and to other correctional facilities within Oregon, making a positive difference for those incarcerated,” said Stauffer.
Collection Box locations:
511 Washington St.,3rd Floor, The Dalles;
309 State St, Hood River;
221 S. Oregon St, Condon,
500 Court St., Wasco,
and 701 Adams St, Fossil.
For those interested in donating or seeking more information, Senior Judge Janet Stauffer can be contacted at 541-993-2202 to coordinate pick-ups or answer any questions.
Help Us Grow!
Your donations make all the difference in supporting local news!
