How To Send Books And Publications To A Prisoner (MSP Specific)

Having been incarcerated since I was 16 years old, my formal education ended in 9th grade. I'm glad to have made it that far, but my education was -and is- sorely lacking. During the intervening years I've used books to educate myself. Every sort of book or magazine I could get my hands on, I would read. So, if you have a friend or family member in prison, show some love and help them educate theirself and have a positive source of entertainment. Books have helped me keep what sanity I do have. Here are the guidelines. . .

• No hardback books or spiral bound books are allowed.

• Paperback or softcover books only. No more than three (3) books per package/order can be sent to the prisoner at one time.

• All books, publications, and periodicals must come from a publisher, vendor, bookstore, ministry, etc. You can't just mail this stuff to a prisoner yourself, because it's considered a "security risk."

• If you're ordering a pornographic magazine for a prisoner, make sure that the magazine title is one that doesn't show penetration. Only non-penetration mags will be allowed. Tattoo magazines are also often rejected, as are magazines about guns, knives and martial arts.

• Use common sense. If it's anything that would instruct in criminal activity, don't send it.

• Make sure that nothing else is included with the books or magazines. For example, sometimes CDs are included with books or mags. Prisoners can't have these, and often the whole order is sent back if one is included.

Print Page