How to Send Books to an Inmate | US Prison Book Rules

How to Send Books to an Inmate: The Ultimate Guide

They say a book can change a person more than years of incarceration. In the U.S. prison system, books are one of the most cherished gifts an inmate can receive. However, sending a book to a U.S. facility is not as simple as putting one in an envelope.

If you don't follow the specific federal and state regulations, your gift will be rejected and sent back. Here is everything you need to know about the process.

1. The "Publisher Only" Rule

This is the most important rule in the United States. You cannot mail a book from your home address.

The Rule: Books must be shipped directly from an authorized publisher or a major online distributor like Amazon or Barnes & Noble.
Why? To prevent contraband (drugs, weapons, or escape tools) from being hidden inside the spine or pages of the book. Facilities only trust packages that come straight from a warehouse.

2. Hardcover vs. Paperback

In almost all U.S. jails and state prisons, hardcover books are strictly prohibited.

Standard: You must send Softcover (Paperback) books.
The Reason: Hardcover books are considered a security risk because the rigid covers can be used to hide items or sharpened into weapons. Always double-check the "Format" section before clicking buy on Amazon.

3. Content Restrictions

Even if a book is sent from Amazon, it can still be rejected based on its content:

Prohibited Topics: Books containing instructions on martial arts, weapon making, escape tactics, or "inciting riots" are banned.
Adult Content: Most facilities ban books with explicit nudity or highly sexual content.
Tattoos: Surprisingly, books featuring tattoo designs are often rejected as tattooing is prohibited inside.

4. Quantity and Used Books

Limits: Most facilities limit an inmate to receiving 3 to 5 books per shipment.
New Only: Most prisons require books to be brand new. Used books from third-party sellers on Amazon are often rejected because they might have writing, stains, or hidden items in them.

How Sendinmatemail Helps You

While you must order the books through an authorized vendor like Amazon, Sendinmatemail helps you coordinate the surprise.

Inmate Location: Use our database to find the exact mailing address and inmate ID needed for the Amazon shipping label.
The Announcement: Send a letter through us first to let your loved one know a package is on the way! This gives them something to look forward to and ensures they know who the gift is from.

Books open doors that walls cannot close. [Find your loved one’s address and start their library today.]