Maghaberry Prison

Book and Tape Club (B.A.T)

The Book and Tape Club (B.A.T)  developed by The N.I Prison Service, operates at Maghaberry Prison in Partnership with the South Eastern Education and Library Board. The intention of this project is to offer Prisoners the opportunity to share the reading experience with their children.

This is being developed with the help of the local libraries to encourage children to make better use of the service they provide..

Each prisoner will be able to borrow a children's book from the Prison Library.

The inmate then arranges a suitable time with the library staff to record a chapter or story from the book onto cassette tape or CD.

When the inmate next has a visit the child/ren can pick up the book and the cassette/CD from the Quakers centre to take home.

A date will be set for the child/ren to return the book and tape after having had the opportunity to record a short message.

The Quaker staff will ensure it is returned to the Prison Library for collection by the father.

 The South Eastern Education and Library Board in Partnership with the Maghaberry Prison Education Department will offer help and guidance on reading styles and skills.

We are very grateful to Bright Books of Rochdale, for their continued generous sponsorship, throughout this project.