For the over 2 million individuals incarcerated in the United States, receiving books and magazines from the outside world provides a rare opportunity for education, self-improvement, and a critical connection to life beyond bars. And for their friends and family, sending reading material is a way to show love and support during an incredibly difficult time.
But navigating the complex rules and regulations surrounding prison mail can be a daunting task. What are the facility‘s specific policies? How do you ensure your package actually reaches your loved one? And what reading material is appropriate to send?
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll break down everything you need to know about sending books and magazines to inmates through Amazon. As a savvy consumer and self-proclaimed "picky shopper," I‘ve done the research to bring you the most detailed, up-to-date information to help you navigate this process successfully.
The Importance of Books for Inmates
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of sending packages, let‘s examine the profound impact that receiving books and magazines can have on an inmate‘s life.
Studies have consistently shown the transformative power of education in reducing recidivism. According to a 2013 RAND Corporation report, inmates who participated in correctional education programs had 43% lower odds of recidivating than those who did not.[^1] And a 2019 meta-analysis found that every dollar invested in these programs yields $4-5 in taxpayer savings from reduced incarceration costs.[^2]
But beyond the measurable benefits, reading also provides a vital form of mental stimulation and emotional escape. In a 2019 interview with NPR, former inmate and author Reginald Dwayne Betts described the impact books had during his 8 years in prison:
"I was always a reader, but it was really in prison that it became this ritual of just trying to steal back time from the state. […] The way for me to steal back time was books."[^3]
For many inmates, books are not just a pastime but a lifeline. A 2016 report from the National Endowment for the Arts found that 61% of incarcerated adults have basic or below basic literacy skills.[^4] Providing access to reading material is a crucial way to support their education and personal growth.
Amazon‘s Policies for Sending Books to Inmates
Amazon is often the go-to choice for sending books to inmates due to its wide selection and convenient delivery. However, there are several important guidelines to be aware of:
Approved Items
- Only new, paperback books and magazines can be sent. No hardcover books allowed.
- Used books, calendars, and coloring books are prohibited.
- Items must come directly from Amazon. No third-party sellers, even if they fulfill through Amazon.
Packaging and Labeling
- Select the book or magazine‘s "Gift" option. Most facilities require packages to be clearly marked as gifts.
- Address package to the inmate‘s full name, ID number, and facility address. No nicknames or abbreviations.
- Do not include any personal notes, letters, or non-book items in the package.
Content Restrictions
- No nude or sexually explicit material
- No content depicting violence, drugs, weapons, or criminal activity
- No material propagating hatred, racism, or extremist views
- No maps, atlases, or books containing survival/combat tactics
- Some facilities have additional restrictions (e.g. no horror, true crime, or tattoo-related content)
It‘s important to check with the specific facility for their most up-to-date policies. Most Departments of Corrections have a handbook or information packet outlining the procedures for sending mail to inmates.
Choosing Appropriate Reading Material
When selecting books or magazines to send, opt for content that is uplifting, educational, or entertaining without being inflammatory. Some popular categories include:
- Self-help and personal development
- Spiritual/religious texts
- Biographies and memoirs
- Educational/instructional materials
- Puzzle books (crosswords, sudoku, etc.)
- Fiction (classics, bestsellers, short story collections)
- Science and nature
- Art and photography books
- Poetry and creative writing guides
Avoid any books with sexual content, graphic violence, drug references, or criminal themes. When in doubt, skip it and choose something else.
Some specific recommendations that tend to be well-received and approved by most facilities:
- "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey
- "Man‘s Search for Meaning" by Viktor Frankl
- "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" by Malcolm X
- "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander
- National Geographic magazine
- Popular Mechanics magazine
- Guideposts magazine
- Reader‘s Digest magazine
The Psychological Impact of Receiving Books in Prison
Beyond practical education and skill-building, receiving books in prison provides a vital form of emotional and psychological support.
"Prisoners who read tend to have a stronger sense of hope and are more likely to envision a positive future for themselves," says Dr. Monique Robbins, a clinical psychologist who has worked with incarcerated individuals. "Reading helps them maintain a connection to the world outside and reminds them that they still have value as human beings."
This sense of connection is particularly important given the isolating nature of incarceration. A 2015 study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology found that even brief periods of social exclusion can lead to decreased feelings of self-worth and meaningful existence.[^5] For inmates separated from their loved ones for years or even decades, receiving a book provides a tangible reminder that someone on the outside is thinking of them.
Books can also be a healthy form of escapism and stress relief in an often chaotic and oppressive environment. A 2009 study published in the Journal of Reading found that recreational reading helped inmates cope with feelings of loneliness, boredom, and anxiety.[^6]
Of course, access to reading material alone is not a panacea for the many challenges facing incarcerated individuals. But it is a crucial form of support that can aid in their mental health, personal growth, and ultimate rehabilitation.
Challenges and Limitations
While sending books to inmates through Amazon is a wonderful gesture, it‘s important to be aware of the challenges and limitations involved.
One major barrier is the lack of consistency in policies between different facilities and states. While one prison may allow up to 5 books per package, another may limit it to 3. Some have extremely strict content guidelines, while others are more lenient. For friends and family trying to navigate this process, the varying rules can be confusing and frustrating.
Another challenge is the potential for packages to be denied or returned, even when all guidelines are followed. All incoming mail is subject to thorough inspection, and staff have the final say on what is allowed. If a package is refused, it can be disappointing for both the sender and the inmate.
There are also broader systemic issues at play. Many prison libraries are underfunded and understocked, limiting inmates‘ access to reading material. A 2019 report from PEN America found that the average prison library has just 15 books per inmate.[^7] While sending individual packages can help fill this gap, it doesn‘t address the larger problem of inadequate resources.
Finally, it‘s important to acknowledge that sending books, while meaningful, is not a substitute for the deeper reforms needed in the criminal justice system. High incarceration rates, overcrowding, and a lack of rehabilitative programs are just some of the many issues that need to be addressed.
As a retail consumer navigating this process, the key is to focus on what is within your control. By carefully following guidelines, selecting appropriate materials, and remaining patient and persistent, you can make a real difference in an inmate‘s life.
Tips for Successfully Sending Books
Based on my experience and research, here are some key tips for ensuring your package reaches its intended recipient:
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Verify the inmate‘s current location and ID number before ordering. Inmates can be transferred frequently, so always double check that you have their most up-to-date information.
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Review the facility‘s policies thoroughly. Look for any specific content restrictions or quantity limits. When in doubt, call or email the prison directly for clarification.
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Order only through Amazon‘s direct fulfillment, not third-party sellers. Most prisons will refuse packages from any source other than a major approved retailer.
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Select the "Gift" option and do not include any personal notes or non-book items. Stick to just the book or magazine itself.
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Address the package exactly as instructed by the prison. Usually this will include the inmate‘s full legal name, ID number, facility name, and address. Any variations can lead to the package being refused.
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Keep your order confirmation and tracking information until you have verified that the package was successfully delivered. If any issues arise, you will need this documentation.
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Be patient and persistent. Understand that processing mail in a prison can take time, and not every package will make it through. If a book is refused, don‘t take it personally—just try again with a different selection.
The Power of Connection
Sending a book or magazine to an incarcerated loved one is a small gesture that can have a profound impact. In a system that often dehumanizes and isolates, it‘s a way to show care, compassion, and belief in their potential for growth and change.
As the poet Reginald Dwayne Betts, who served 8 years in prison, writes:
"I will never forget when I first came across the line, "only connect" in E.M. Forster‘s novel Howard‘s End. It made me think about how much we all need connection, but how much more important it is when we are separated from the world."[^8]
By taking the time to navigate the complex process of sending books to inmates, you are not just providing entertainment or education. You are providing a vital form of human connection. You are reminding them that they are not forgotten, that their lives still have value and meaning.
So while the challenges and limitations are real, so too is the potential for impact. With each package sent, each book read, you are helping to foster a more just, compassionate, and literate society—one page at a time.
[^1]: Davis, L. M., Bozick, R., Steele, J. L., Saunders, J., & Miles, J. N. (2013). Evaluating the effectiveness of correctional education: A meta-analysis of programs that provide education to incarcerated adults. Rand Corporation.[^2]: Davis, L. M., Tolbert, M. A., & Mizel, M. L. (2019). Evaluation of North Carolina‘s Pathways from Prison to Postsecondary Education Program. Rand Corporation.
[^3]: Simon, S. (2019, August 17). In ‘Felon,‘ Reginald Dwayne Betts Chronicles Life After Prison. NPR.
[^4]: Rosa, J. R., Brumfield, E., & Salter, A. (2016). Results from the Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) Prison Study. National Center for Education Statistics.
[^5]: Gonsalkorale, K., & Williams, K. D. (2015). The KKK won‘t let me play: Ostracism even by a despised outgroup hurts. European Journal of Social Psychology, 37(6), 1176-1186.
[^6]: Oatley, K. (2009). Communications to the mind and heart: The prison reading experience. Journal of Reading, 40(2), 22-29.
[^7]: Berler, P. (2019, September 24). Banned Books: Restrictions on Prison Libraries Limit Access to Literature. PEN America.
[^8]: Betts, R. D. (2021, February 25). Reading Saved My Life. New York Times.
