The Appalachian Prison Book Project at West Virginia University will host an informational gathering from 56:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27, in the Stansbury Hall Library (Room 344) on the Downtown campus.

The Appalachian Prison Book Project (APBP) is a volunteer grass-roots organization whose purpose is to collect and distribute books free of charge to women and men in prison. The group focuses on the Appalachian region, principally West Virginia , but considers other requests

An official student organization of WVU , APBP is composed of students, professors and members of the Morgantown community.

In addition to our primary work of putting needed books in the hands of

women and men in prison, the Appalachian Prison Book Project builds important connections, bringing together people involved in literacy efforts, prison reform, faith-based action, and violence prevention,said Katy Ryan, WVU English professor and the group’s founder.We also are in contact with family members of prisoners who are looking for a supportive community. In hosting a gathering, we’re hoping to attract new members and ignite people’s enthusiasm for what we’re doing.

The Jan. 27 event, which is free and open to the public, will feature an assortment of the best local foods and beverages. Organizers are encouraging people to bring an appetite as well as a passion for humanitarian projects.

The Appalachian Prison Book Project is at an exciting stage in its evolution,said Mark Brazaitis, another WVU English professor and APBP member.We’ve gathered a decent number of books, and requests for them are beginning to pour in. We have a strong core group of volunteers, but we’re looking to involve more people in our project. We’d love for people to come to our gathering so they can learn about everything we’re doingand everything they might do with us.

For more information about the Appalachian Prison Book Project, write to: P.O. Box 601 , Morgantown , WV 26507 or email appalachianpbp@gmail.com .