Send Books and Magazines — Ask the Inmate
Books and magazines are among the most valuable items an incarcerated person can receive. They provide an escape from the monotony of institutional life, keep the mind active, and for many inmates represent the primary source of education and information about the outside world. But facility rules about how books and magazines can be sent are strict, and getting it wrong means the item gets rejected. This section covers the rules for sending books and magazines to incarcerated loved ones, why items must typically come directly from approved publishers or retailers rather than from home, what types of publications are restricted and why, how InmateAid's magazine subscription service works and why it is one of the most reliable ways to keep a loved one supplied with reading material, and what genres and titles tend to be most popular inside. The guidance here makes sure every book and magazine you send actually arrives. See also our sections on Inmate Care Packages, Send Inmate Mail, and Prison Jobs.
Related InmateAid Services
You can order magazines as long as they are being delivered by the publisher. They do not accept delivery of magazines or books any other way. If you want to try the magazine service, here is a coupon code for 20% off any amount you order. Simply enter MAG20 in the coupon box at checkout. This code is good until the end of the month (for ANYONE to use).
Read moreDepending on the facility, it is usually the PO Box for inmates. You can go to the Prison Directory on InmateAid and search that facility page for the "Mailing Address". If one is not listed, use the main address. That is how we sync our mail system to send Letters & Photos, Postcards and Greeting Cards directly to the inmate.
Read moreProbably, but you should call and speak with the chaplain or the lieutenant on duty. That is a very nice thing you are thinking about doing!
Read moreThere are many publishers and they all have a slightly different response to this question. The rule of thumb is it takes about 8-10 weeks for the first issue to deliver. If you ordered from a subscription card inserted in a store magazine, the paragraph about delivery also suggests it "could take 8-10 weeks for the first magazine to arrive." The facilities will only allow magazines sent directly from the publisher. Our partners are honest and responsible.
Read moreYou might be able to get the bible in there with you, but "no" to your question. All books must come in the mail directly from the publisher (Amazon)
Read moreMost facilities have rules regarding books. Some have no limit, others do not. The most prevailing arrangement is that they allow an inmate to receive as many books as they want, but they must store the majority of them in the facility library. Storage is not plentiful in the living quarters but they encourage reading and self-improvement. Books and education are the best "escapes" for an inmate.
Read moreYes, even Playboy is allowed now that there is no nudity
Read morePlease let us know the new information about his transfer and if you bought the subscription from us, we will make the necessary change so that he keeps receiving the magazines
Read moreYes, you ship directly to the facility address. When you order on Amazon, use the facility's mailing address as the shipping destination, and include your sister's full name and inmate ID number in the address field so the mailroom can route it to her correctly. There is one critical rule with Amazon book orders for inmates: you must buy new paperback books sold directly by Amazon, not used books or books sold by third-party sellers through the Amazon marketplace.
Read moreIt is different delivery start-date for every magazine. Some are within four weeks and others up to twelve weeks.
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