What Books Are Allowed in Indiana Prisons? How to Send Approved Books to Inmates

Sending books to a loved one in prison is one of the most meaningful ways to stay connected and support their rehabilitation. But in Indiana, like in many states, correctional facilities have strict rules about what can and cannot be sent. To ensure your package isn’t rejected, it’s essential to understand which books are allowed in Indiana prisons and how to properly order them.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from approved book types and formats, to how to send books to an inmate in Indiana through trusted vendors like Indiana Corrections Bookstore.


Are Books Allowed in Indiana State Prisons?

Yes, books are allowed, and they’re highly encouraged by the Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC). However, they must follow strict guidelines:

  • Books must be new (no used or donated books allowed)
  • Books must be paperback (hardcover books are typically rejected)
  • Books must come directly from an approved vendor or bookstore
  • Content must comply with IDOC policy (no sexually explicit, violent, or gang-related material)

Failure to follow these rules could lead to the books being returned, rejected, or destroyed, and inmates may never even know they were sent.

Where Can You Buy Books for Indiana Inmates?

The safest and most reliable way is to use a verified vendor like Indiana Corrections Bookstore, which specializes in facility-compliant books and publications. When you shop with us:

  • You avoid the guesswork, every item is hand-selected for prison approval
  • Orders ship directly from our warehouse with USPS tracking and secure packaging
  • You get access to a wide selection of DOC-approved categories:
    • Urban fiction
    • Christian books
    • Spanish-language titles
    • GED and vocational education
    • Self-help and mental health
    • Magazines and puzzle books

How to Send Books to an Inmate in Indiana

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to correctly send books to an Indiana correctional facility:

1. Confirm the Inmate’s Full Info

You'll need:

  • Full inmate name (first and last)
  • DOC number (also called offender number)
  • Facility name and complete mailing address

2. Choose DOC-Approved Books

All titles must:

  • Be new and paperback
  • Come directly from the vendor (you cannot ship them yourself)
  • Contain no nudity, explicit material, or incitement of violence

Safe categories include:

  • Self-help books
  • Legal guides and rights books
  • Biographies and memoirs
  • Urban fiction (non-graphic)
  • Puzzle and activity books
  • Educational and reentry books

At IndianaCorrectionsBookstore.com, all books are carefully curated to comply with IDOC guidelines.

3. Place the Order with Accurate Shipping Info

During checkout, make sure to:

  • Enter the inmate’s info in the shipping address
  • Double-check DOC number and facility spelling
  • Use your own contact info for the billing address and email for updates

Orders typically process in 1–3 business days and ship via USPS Media Mail or Priority Mail.

4. Track Your Order

All shipments include tracking numbers. You can:

  • Monitor delivery at USPS.com
  • Log into your account on our website to check order status
  • Contact us if your item is marked delivered but wasn’t received

Once a package is accepted by the facility, delivery to the inmate is handled by mailroom staff.

What Kinds of Books Are NOT Allowed?

The Indiana DOC prohibits any material that includes:

  • Sexual content or nudity (including romance novels with explicit scenes)
  • Violent or graphic imagery (even in comic books or horror novels)
  • Gang-related content (symbols, affiliations, or coded messages)
  • Hardcover books
  • Used or damaged books
  • Books with staples, spiral bindings, or glued inserts

If you’re unsure, it’s always safest to email or call your loved one’s facility or shop directly from a trusted vendor like us, where compliance is guaranteed.


Why Books Matter in Prison

Incarcerated individuals often deal with isolation, stress, and lack of stimulation. Books offer:

  • Education and career preparation
  • Mental health support
  • Spiritual growth and faith development
  • Entertainment and escape from a harsh environment
  • Hope, focus, and a path toward rehabilitation

Many inmates credit books with helping them stay grounded, learn new skills, or prepare for reentry. You’re not just sending pages, you’re sending purpose.

Why Use Indiana Corrections Bookstore?

Indiana Corrections Bookstore was created to serve inmates and their families with integrity and care. We know the DOC system inside and out, and we’re here to help you send approved, meaningful reading material without the risk of rejection.

  • All books are brand-new paperbacks
  • We handle packaging, shipping, and tracking
  • We offer affordable pricing and flat-rate shipping
  • Trusted by hundreds of families across the Midwest
  • Fully compliant with Indiana DOC policies

Final Tips for Sending Books to Indiana Inmates

  • Stick with paperbacks only
  • Ship from a verified bookstore (not from home)
  • Include no inserts or letters inside the package
  • Double-check inmate info and facility address
  • Use USPS tracking to monitor delivery

Sample Message for Sending Books to Inmates

Want to include a note? Here's an example you can write separately in a letter (not inside the package):

"Hey [Name], I picked out a couple of books I thought you'd enjoy. They're from an approved bookstore, so they should get to you soon. Keep your head up and stay strong—one page at a time."

Ready to Order?

Start browsing our Indiana DOC-compliant bookstore today:
👉 https://indianacorrectionsbookstore.com

Need help picking a book or confirming a facility?
Email us at: support: in@correctionsbookstore.com
Or call our customer service line at: 219.837.1330

Because books aren’t just gifts—they’re tools for change.

Send one today.

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