Inmates were tired of romance novels. So the Clay County sheriff started a book drive

There were only so many Danielle Steel romance novels that an inmate at the Clay County Detention Center could read before boredom crept in. Syrupy Steel novels like “Impossible” or “Echoes” could not possibly sustain the interest of a jail population that is nearly 87% male. And a disinterested inmate is prone to start trouble.

Clay County Sheriff Will Akin knows Trisha Alexander’s “A Bride for John” can only do so much to keep the peace. Offering work from romance novelists Jade Lee or Betty Neels can only squash a handful of beefs. The jailhouse collection includes hundreds of worn or ruined paperback books, and most are romantic or religious titles.

One of Akin’s staff members suggested a paperback book and puzzle drive with the goal of improving the quality of the literature inmates consume. Within days, more than 400 books were collected. Hundreds more were expected over the weekend. The book drive is through the end of January. Multiple drop-off spots are located in Clay County, including the Sheriff’s Office in Liberty.

“Any genre is OK (except maybe not ‘How to Make Shivs’ or something),” a post on the Clay County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page said.

Community support has been overwhelming, Akin said.

Which is great, because COVID-19 has put a strain on the detention center’s usual vendors — community based nonprofit groups — and donations have dried up.

Drop-off locations are in Clay County include:

▪ The Clay County Sheriff’s Office’s main lobby

▪ The Smithville Police Department

▪ The Clay County Administration Building (old courthouse) on Liberty Square

▪ Holt City Hall

▪ Betty’s Place restaurant - 4766 S.E. PP Highway, Holt

▪ Over Flow Coffee House - 1005 Middlebrook Dr., Suite E, Liberty

▪ Chandler Baptist Church - in the outside drop box at 11401 N.E. State Route 33, Liberty

▪ Molly Roberts Studio - 253 E Broadway Ave., Excelsior Springs