Books are a vital resource for incarcerated individuals, providing opportunities for education, personal growth, rehabilitation, and successful reentry into society, yet access to them is often limited. To help provide greater access to these resources, Kalamazoo-based Markou Montague Levine Defense is organizing a community book drive benefiting individuals at the Kalamazoo County Jail.
The book drive is accepting paperback books in the following categories: fiction, self-help and recovery, religious texts, and educational materials. Donations are being collected through July 31, 2026.
Community members can drop off donations at:
- MML Defense, 136 E. Michigan Ave., Suite 1400, Kalamazoo
- Hills Law, 425 S. Westnedge Ave., Kalamazoo
- John D. Bradshaw PC, 107 W. Michigan Ave., 6th Floor, Kalamazoo
- Kalamazoo Defender, 151 S. Rose Street, Suite 200, Kalamazoo
“It’s important to help out and give back in this way,” saidAnastase Markou, partner and criminal defense attorney at Markou MontagueLevine Defense. “Books are incredibly important forincarcerated individuals, and we want to help provide opportunities forlearning, growth, and personal development.”
MML Defense encourages community members to participate by donating gently used or new paperback books that can make a meaningful impact on the lives of incarcerated individuals. Accepted books include paperback fiction, self-help, recovery, religious, and educational materials. Books with depictions of sexual acts, instructions for illegal activities, or how to make weapons cannot be accepted.
Those with questions about donating can call MML Defense at269-382-0444.
In the Media:
· MLive-Kalamazoo Gazette: The simple act of donating a book could change someone’s life at the Kalamazoo County Jail
· NowKalamazoo: Jailbook drive
