Rosebuds Reading Collective was founded by Nora Fried inside the women’s ward at Rikers Island Jail in New York City. The goal was simple: to create a space where people inside could connect, reflect, and imagine new possibilities through reading.

What started as a small group of women coming together to discuss a shared book has grown into a thriving community.  Each group is built on conversation, curiosity, and the joy of discovering stories together.




Rosebuds Reading Collective is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit and is completely funded by donations. Every dollar goes directly toward purchasing books, bringing in authors for Q&As, and sustaining our growing programs.

We are now seeking sponsors and large donors to help keep this meaningful work alive and to ensure that everyone inside Rikers who wants to read has the chance to do so.

To support us, you can donate through the GoFundMe link on our site or reach out to our founder at norafried@gmail.com to discuss partnership opportunities.




Books We’ve Read 


Educated by Tara Westover
Down the Drain by Julia Fox
A Piece of Cake by Cupcake Brown
Quit Like a Woman by Holly Whitaker

The Girls by Emma Cline
Such a Fun Age by Kiley Ried
Push by Sapphire
Flyy Girl by Omar Tyree

The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller
Writing My Wrongs by Shaka Senghor
Wild by Cheryl Strayed



Founder and Program Director: Nora Fried 
norafried@gmail.com
(202) 527-2842
New York City
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