How is chevalier’s books transforming lives beyond prison walls?

Chevalier’s Books, the oldest store of its independent nature in Los Angeles, has embarked on a mission that transcends the usual role of a bookstore. By collaborating with prison librarians across the country, Chevalier’s is committed to providing books to incarcerated individuals, showcasing the deep impact of literature. In a nation where close to 2 million lives exist behind prison walls, the aim is to offer a fragment of freedom through written works. Their GoFundMe campaign, “Books to Prisons,” aims to raise funds dedicated entirely to delivering books to prisons, jails, and detention centers.

This initiative goes beyond merely supplying texts; it encapsulates nurturing hope, offering education, and building a sense of belonging to those often overlooked. Echoing the sentiment of Angela Davis, it becomes clear that, while tackling inmate-related issues, “prisons do not disappear social problems, they disappear human beings.” For those pushed to the fringes of society, books can present a chance for renewed perspectives—a possibility to reconstruct and transform their surroundings. This is reflective of Malcolm X’s journey, who discovered comfort and change through reading while imprisoned. His life narrative demonstrates how delving into books opened new horizons and ignited a passion for staying mentally alert.

The Personal Touch: Nat Eastman’s Story

Nat Eastman, assistant manager and adult book selector at Chevalier’s Books, contributes a personal dimension to this cause. Growing up in the San Fernando Valley, Eastman maintained a deep connection with her older brother, who spent 17 years in California’s prison system, through their mutual love for literature. Their small book club, centered around the Harry Potter series, became a vital link—a means to stay connected despite the physical distance and constraints of incarceration.

Eastman’s story highlights literature’s role as both refuge and connection for prison inhabitants. She vividly recalls journeys to visit her brother at the correctional facility, involving long drives into the desert, arriving at a massive concrete complex patrolled by watchtowers and enclosed in barbed wire. In such an environment, books emerged as “the sole means of escape,” allowing for brief mental reprieves from the harsh realities of prison life.

Community Efforts and Broader Impact

Chevalier’s Books is joined in its mission by other entities. Eastman commends other notable programs focused on furnishing literature to the incarcerated, like the Los Angeles County Library’s Books for Jails Program and scholarly efforts such as UC Irvine’s Books Through Bars. These projects, along with others like the Prison Library Project at Claremont’s Book Forum Bookshop and Noname’s Radical Hood Library, signal a broader movement aimed at providing educational support to those behind bars.

A book slated for release on December 1, 2024, entitled “This Book Is Free and Yours to Keep: Notes From the Appalachian Prison Book Project,” sheds light on the impact of such initiatives. It includes letters of gratitude from incarcerated individuals who found transformation and solace in reading. Requests for reading materials span subjects ranging from studies about the Choctaw Nation and Jewish philosophy to novels by Austen and Dickens, reflecting the diverse interests and needs of the prison population.

Eastman notes the enthusiastic reception of Chevalier?s book drive, emphasizing how many seek to learn more and contribute to the cause. A recent panel event at the store featured voices challenging the status quo, such as Ra Avis and Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, heightening awareness and support. As Eastman prepares to acquire and send a significant collection of books, she reflects on literature’s lasting impact, reaching not just those imprisoned, but their families as well. Her siblings, who have since exited incarceration and are raising families, continue to spread the love of reading, fostering it in the next generations.

Our Advice on the City

Los Angeles, known for its rich cultural diversity and dynamic artistic environment, offers a unique backdrop for projects like Chevalier’s “Books to Prisons.” For those visiting occasionally, a trip to Chevalier’s Books in Larchmont provides this chance to explore a storied bookstore deeply embedded in the community. The store represents a commitment to justice and education through literary empowerment, mirroring the city’s ethos of creativity and civic engagement.

For seasoned explorers, Los Angeles serves as a lens into the rich literary landscape of the city. From the renowned works of Joan Didion to new voices shaping the narrative of Southern California, its bookstores and lively cultural events invite exploration of the broader Los Angeles tapestry. By volunteering with local art initiatives and supporting independent bookstores like Chevalier’s, one can gain a deeper understanding of both literature and the city’s transformative efforts through books.

In essence, Chevalier’s Books’ “Books to Prisons” effort is a clear testament to literature’s ability to change lives. Whether you are a casual observer or a keen adventurer, engaging with LA’s literary scene may unlock deeper insights and inspire a personal reflection on the potent role books can play in impacting hearts and minds, for ourselves and those around us.