Sending Books to Indiana Inmates: Common Questions Answered

Your Complete FAQ for Book Deliveries to Indiana Correctional Facilities

Sending books to a loved one in prison is one of the most meaningful ways to support their mental, emotional, and educational well-being. But if you’ve never done it before, the process can be confusing. Every correctional facility has its own rules, and in Indiana, there are specific policies you need to follow to avoid having your book order rejected.

That’s where Indiana Corrections Bookstore comes in.

As a trusted, facility-approved bookstore serving the state of Indiana, we specialize in making it easy for families to send books to inmates safely, legally, and quickly. In this blog, we answer the most common questions about sending books to inmates in Indiana correctional facilities.


Can I Send Books to an Inmate Myself?

No. In most Indiana correctional facilities, books must be sent directly from an approved bookstore or publisher. Packages sent from friends, family members, or unapproved third-party sellers (such as individual Amazon sellers or eBay) will be rejected and returned or destroyed.

That’s why families trust Indiana Corrections Bookstore, we ensure all shipments meet DOC requirements.

Why Are There So Many Restrictions?

Correctional facilities enforce strict rules on mail and books to prevent:

  • The smuggling of contraband

  • The spread of prohibited or violent materials

  • Security breaches due to altered or hidden content

  • Unregulated communication

Using an approved vendor like us ensures your books are properly packaged, documented, and compliant with all prison mailroom regulations.

What Types of Books Are Allowed?

https://indianacorrectionsbookstore.blogspot.com/2025/07/what-books-are-allowed-in-indiana.html

Each facility has slight variations, but in general, Indiana prisons accept the following:

Allowed:

  • New, softcover books only (no hardcovers unless specifically permitted)

  • Educational materials (literacy, business, law, trades)

  • Self-help and motivational books

  • Religious and spiritual books

  • Fiction and nonfiction titles

  • Mass market paperbacks

Not Allowed:

  • Hardcovers (at most facilities)

  • Used or donated books

  • Books with spiral binding or inserts

  • Books with sexually explicit or violent content

  • Books promoting hate, gangs, or criminal activity

All books sold on IndianaCorrectionsBookstore.com are reviewed to comply with facility-approved standards.

How Do I Know What Facility My Loved One Is In?

If you're not sure where your loved one is housed, you can search using the Indiana Department of Correction Offender Search Tool.

You'll need:

  • First and last name

  • Date of birth or DOC number (if available)

Once you find their assigned facility, double-check the mailing address for books. Some prisons have different mailing addresses for books vs. letters.

What Information Do I Need to Place an Order?

When ordering books for an inmate, be sure to include the following:

  • Full name of the inmate

  • Inmate ID number (DOC number)

  • Correct facility name

  • Facility mailing address (book-specific, if different)

Having accurate information prevents delivery delays and rejections.

What Shipping Methods Are Available?

We ship using USPS, which is the only approved carrier for most correctional facilities.

Shipping Options:

  • Media Mail: Low-cost, delivery in 5–12 business days

  • Priority Mail: Faster option, 3–10 business days

You’ll receive a tracking number once your order ships, and we’ll handle the labeling and packaging to meet prison standards.

How Many Books Can I Send at Once?

Most Indiana correctional facilities allow 2 to 3 books per package. Exceeding this limit may result in the package being rejected. If you want to send more, we recommend placing separate orders spaced a few days apart.

At Indiana Corrections Bookstore, we help you manage your order sizes to stay compliant.

What If the Inmate Gets Transferred?

If your loved one is transferred after you place an order, and the package is returned to us, we will work with you to:

  • Update the new address

  • Re-ship the package

  • Offer store credit or an alternative solution if necessary

We track every shipment and assist customers with returned orders when possible.

What If the Facility Rejects the Book?

While rare, rejections can happen due to:

  • Policy changes at the facility

  • Improper addressing

  • Inmate disciplinary status

  • Ban on certain types of books

If your package is rejected and returned to our warehouse, we’ll contact you to resolve the issue. We may offer store credit or a replacement title that meets new guidelines.

Can I Include a Letter or Note with the Book?

No. Books must be sent by themselves with no additional materials inside. Do not include:

  • Letters or cards

  • Bookmarks or sticky notes

  • Personal messages or enclosures

  • Photos, receipts, or promotional flyers

Any extras may result in the entire package being rejected. To send personal messages, use official inmate mail or electronic services like JPay or GTL.

Can I send magazines or newspapers to inmates in Indiana?

Not in the same package as books. Most Indiana correctional facilities require magazines and newspapers to be ordered separately through approved vendors. At Indiana Corrections Bookstore, we focus on books only. For periodicals, check with the facility or explore services that specialize in those items.

Can inmates receive books in Spanish or other languages?

Yes. Inmates are generally allowed to receive books in Spanish or other languages, as long as the content complies with DOC guidelines. We carry a growing selection of Spanish-language and bilingual books designed for self-help, education, and spiritual growth.

How Do I Order Books from Indiana Corrections Bookstore?

Ordering is easy and secure through our website:

  1. Visit: https://indianacorrectionsbookstore.com

  2. Browse: Choose from categories like self-help, educational, fiction, or spiritual titles

  3. Add to Cart: Select your books (2–3 books per shipment is typical)

  4. Enter Inmate Info: Input their name, ID, and facility address at checkout

  5. Choose Shipping: Select USPS Media Mail or Priority

  6. Complete Payment: Secure checkout with credit or debit card

  7. Track Your Shipment: Receive email confirmation and tracking info.

https://indianacorrectionsbookstore.blogspot.com/2025/08/how-to-order-books-for-inmates-in.html

Can I send coloring books or activity books to an inmate?

Yes, but only paperback activity books without staples, perforations, or tear-out pages. All content must be non-explicit and non-violent. Be sure to choose from approved vendors to avoid rejection. We offer puzzle books, coloring books, and art therapy books specifically curated for facility compliance.

What if I accidentally enter the wrong inmate ID or facility address?

Mistakes happen. If you realize the error before shipment, contact our support team immediately. If the order has already shipped and is returned to us, we’ll work with you to update the info and resend the package or provide store credit where possible.

How long does it take for inmates to receive their books?

  • Shipping Time: 5–12 business days via Media Mail or 3–10 days via Priority Mail

  • Facility Processing: Internal prison mailrooms may take several days to a week to deliver the books after arrival, depending on staffing and security protocols.

What are the most popular books for Indiana inmates?

Based on family orders and feedback, popular categories include:

  • Self-help books like The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

  • Legal and financial literacy books

  • Spiritual texts including The Bible and devotionals

  • Fiction thrillers and motivational autobiographies

  • Educational prep books for GED and job readiness

All of these categories are available at Indiana Corrections Bookstore.

What’s the best way to stay updated with Indiana DOC book policies?

Policies can change, especially at the facility level. To stay updated:

  • Ask the inmate to request the latest mailroom rules

  • Contact the facility directly

  • Subscribe to updates or contact support at Indiana Corrections Bookstore, we monitor DOC policies regularly

Why Choose Indiana Corrections Bookstore?

Families trust us because we:

  • Are a facility-approved book vendor

  • Offer only inmate-safe and compliant books

  • Know Indiana DOC rules inside and out

  • Provide friendly customer service

  • Help reduce rejected shipments

  • Offer secure ordering and fast shipping

Whether you're sending a Bible, a GED prep guide, or a motivational book, we’ll make sure it gets there safely and according to policy.

Final Thoughts

Books are more than just pages, they're lifelines. Sending the right book at the right time can uplift, empower, and transform your loved one’s mindset while incarcerated. But navigating the rules of Indiana’s correctional system requires care, accuracy, and the right partner.

At Indiana Corrections Bookstore, we’re here to make it simple, safe, and successful every time you send a book.

Ready to Order?

Visit https://indianacorrectionsbookstore.com today.
Select approved books, enter inmate info, and check out with confidence.
We’ll take it from there, delivering your books with care and compliance.

Facility approved. Family trusted. Inmate focused.

Contact Indiana Corrections Bookstore

Have questions or need help placing an order? Our team is here to assist you.

We’re committed to making the process of sending books to inmates in Indiana simple, secure, and stress-free.


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