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Press Releases & Statements

Updates from the Book Clubs for Inmates team

ChIRP Partners with the Build-a-Bear Foundation, the CIBC Foundation, and the Indigo Love of Reading Foundation for a Beary Fun Summer of Reading

JUNE 1, 2026 — Book Clubs for Inmates is honoured to announce a beary exciting ChIRP (Children of Inmates Reading Program) summer reading initiative, made possible by the generous partnership of the Build-A-Bear Foundation, the CIBC Foundation, and the Indigo Love of Reading Foundation.

BCFI’s Open Letter to the Minister of Public Safety

MARCH 17, 2026 — By email: gary.anand@parl.gc.ca

Re: CSC Elimination of Librarians & CEGEP

Dear Minister,

We write in a spirit not only of concern, but of profound moral alarm.

The decision by Correctional Service Canada (CSC) to eliminate all librarian positions in federal penitentiaries across Canada — coupled with its intention to end funding for the CEGEP education program serving incarcerated people in Quebec’s federal institutions — represents a sweeping and regressive dismantling of rehabilitative infrastructure within our prison system.

Book Clubs for Inmates Welcomes Sarah Smith-Eivemark as Communications Coordinator

FEBRUARY 3, 2026 — Book Clubs for Inmates (BCFI) is delighted to announce that Sarah Smith-Eivemark has joined the organization this month as Coordinator, Communications.

Announcing BCFI’s 2025 Holiday Fundraising Campaign

DECEMBER 4, 2025 — Book Clubs for Inmates (BCFI) shares with pride and gratitude their holiday fundraising campaign, “Canadian Authors for Book Clubs for Inmates.” Led by the voices of 40 Canadian authors and luminaries, this campaign calls for donations to support the growth and momentum of BCFI programming across Canada.

Spreading Joy and Connection This Holiday Season: The Children of Inmates Reading Program (ChIRP) Partners with the Indigo Love of Reading Foundation

DECEMBER 1, 2025 — In partnership with The Indigo Love of Reading Foundation, we’ve selected the special books for this year’s 2025 Children of Inmates Reading Program (ChIRP) Holiday initiative.

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