Books through Bars is an American organization which works to give worth reading material to prisoners. It was started in 1989 by New Society Publishers of Philadelphia. There are about 30 similar, however unaffiliated, organizations all over the U.S.

As the prisoners in American prisons are not able to obtain books from sources other than known publishers, bookstores, or other rightful distributors, those without the financial resources to buy books had somewhat limited way in to them. New Society Publishers started its program after it began receiving letters from indigent prisoners, and gives donated books to every prisoners, prison libraries, and halfway houses. The organization distributes many hundred packages per month. It as well sponsors expected public events with respect to issues such as human rights, the war on drugs, and prison restructuring.

Books through Bars is run by nine core members and about twenty volunteers, and is supported by funding money from numerous charitable organizations.