2008 shortlist
The Bullingdon Prison Reading Group, Oxfordshire
The group has been running since 2001 and is well-known throughout the prison. The members are male prisoners of all ages, joined by library staff and a volunteer co-ordinator. They meet once a month in the library and read as widely as they can, from The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn to Richard and Judy’s summer reads.
It is one of the longest running prison groups in the country. For the men at Bullingdon, the reading group does three important things: it helps them to develop the skills involved in group discussion; it acts as a bridge between prison and the outside world and it promotes the pleasures and possibilities of reading.
Sarah Turvey, volunteer co-ordinator
Members say
'We were delighted to be shortlisted for the Prize.
'It’s great that Penguin/Orange Broadband have recognised the positive things that go on in prisons.'
'It’s wonderful to be shortlisted for the prize but the reading itself is the best reward.'