Common Questions About Sending Books to NJ Inmates—Answered

Everything You Need to Know Before Placing an Order with NJ Corrections Bookstore

Sending books to inmates in New Jersey correctional facilities is one of the most thoughtful and effective ways to support their personal growth, education, and rehabilitation. But if you're trying to send books for the first time, or even the fifth, you probably have questions. Correctional facilities have strict rules, and getting it wrong can result in your package being rejected.

At NJ Corrections Bookstore, we’re here to make the process simple, secure, and stress-free. In this blog, we answer the most frequently asked questions about sending books to New Jersey inmates, including what’s allowed, how to order, and how to avoid common mistakes.

Can I Send Books Directly to an Inmate Myself?

No. New Jersey Department of Corrections (NJDOC) requires that all books must be sent directly from an approved vendor, not from friends, family, or third-party sellers.

Sending books personally through Amazon, eBay, or by mail from your home will almost certainly result in the package being rejected.

Solution: Order through NJ Corrections Bookstore, an approved vendor that specializes in facility-compliant shipments.

What Types of Books Can I Send?

Not every book is accepted by NJ correctional facilities. Each facility may have slightly different rules, but here are the general guidelines:

Allowed:

  • Brand-new paperback books (no used or hardcover books)

  • Self-help and motivational titles

  • Educational books (GED, law, trades, business, etc.)

  • Religious and spiritual books

  • Fiction and nonfiction books that do not include graphic, violent, or sexual content

Not Allowed:

  • Hardcovers (unless approved in writing)

  • Used books or donations

  • Books with spiral bindings, inserts, CDs, or bookmarks

  • Books with nudity, graphic content, or gang-related themes

Our inventory is pre-approved for correctional use, so you can browse with confidence knowing what you're buying is compliant.

What Inmate Information Do I Need to Place an Order?

You’ll need the following information when placing your order:

  • Inmate’s full name

  • Inmate ID number

  • Facility name

  • Correct mailing address for books

How Do I Order Books Through NJ Corrections Bookstore?

We’ve made the ordering process as easy as possible:

  1. Visit NJ Corrections Bookstore

  2. Browse books by category (self-help, education, spiritual, fiction, etc.)

  3. Add to cart the books you want to send

  4. Enter the inmate’s information at checkout

  5. Choose shipping method (Media Mail or Priority Mail)

  6. Complete payment using a secure checkout

  7. Receive tracking info via email once shipped

We take care of packaging, labeling, and compliance with NJDOC policies.

How Long Does It Take for Books to Arrive?

Delivery timelines vary depending on the shipping method and internal processing at the facility.

  • Media Mail: 5–12 business days

  • Priority Mail: 3–10 business days

  • Facility Processing: Can take 2–7 days after arrival before the inmate receives the books

We’ll send you a USPS tracking number as soon as your package is on its way.

What If My Package Is Rejected?

Sometimes, packages may be rejected due to:

  • Policy changes at the facility

  • Inmate transfer

  • Incorrect information

  • Book content flagged as non-compliant

If your package is returned to us and is eligible, we’ll offer store credit or a replacement title. We do our best to work with you on resolving any issues quickly.

How Many Books Can I Send at Once?

Most NJ correctional facilities allow 2–3 books per shipment. Sending more than this may result in rejection. If you want to send more titles, we recommend spacing out your orders by several days.

Need help managing multiple orders? Just contact our support team, we’re happy to assist.

Can I send magazines or newspapers along with books?

No. Books, magazines, and newspapers must be ordered separately and through approved vendors. Most NJ correctional facilities treat these as distinct mail categories, and combining them in one package will lead to rejection.

If you're interested in sending newspapers or magazines, contact our support team for guidance on what’s allowed and how to order properly.

Are Spanish-language books allowed in NJ prisons?

Yes! Spanish-language books are generally allowed in NJ correctional facilities as long as they follow the same content rules as English titles, no violent, explicit, or banned material.

NJ Corrections Bookstore offers a growing selection of Spanish self-help, religious, and motivational titles designed specifically for inmates.

Can I send coloring books, puzzle books, or activity books?

Yes, but only if they are paperback, contain no staples or tear-out pages, and have non-explicit content. Books like Sudoku, crossword puzzles, and mindfulness coloring books are excellent choices and often requested by inmates.

We stock several DOC-compliant activity books in our store.

What if I don’t know the inmate’s DOC number?

You can look up an inmate’s ID number using the New Jersey Inmate Locator provided by NJDOC. Simply enter the inmate's full name to search.

Accurate info (name + ID number) is crucial for the package to be processed and delivered.

What happens if my loved one is transferred after I order?

If your order ships before the transfer, the books may be returned or delayed. If returned, we’ll notify you and offer store credit or help you resend the books to the new location (if within NJ).

To avoid this, we recommend confirming the inmate's location before placing your order—especially if they’ve recently moved.

Can inmates receive religious books like Bibles or Qurans?

Yes. Most facilities encourage religious and spiritual reading materials, provided they come from an approved vendor and do not contain any content deemed inflammatory or violent.

We carry a wide range of faith-based books including Christian, Islamic, and mindfulness-based spiritual reads.

Can I send more than one package at a time?

We recommend spacing out multiple shipments. While most NJ prisons allow 2–3 books per package, sending multiple packages in the same week can trigger rejection. Allow a few days between orders or call the facility to confirm.

Can inmates receive legal or law books?

Yes, but they must also come from an approved source. We offer several inmate-friendly law books, legal guides, and self-advocacy materials in plain language, perfect for inmates without legal background.

How can I be sure the content of a book is allowed?

When you shop at NJ Corrections Bookstore, we’ve already reviewed the book’s content, format, and binding to ensure it’s compliant with NJDOC standards.

Avoid ordering books with:

  • Graphic violence

  • Sexual content or nudity

  • Gang symbols or references

  • Conspiracy or hate speech

Can I Include a Note, Letter, or Photos with the Books?

No. Books must be shipped on their own. Including any of the following will likely result in rejection:

  • Handwritten notes or letters

  • Photos or printed materials

  • Bookmarks, cards, or flyers

  • Promotional inserts

If you want to write to your loved one, use the standard mail process or platforms like JPay or GTL.

What Payment Methods Do You Accept?

We accept all major payment methods:

  • Debit/Credit Cards

  • Prepaid Visa or Mastercard

  • Secure checkout with encrypted processing

If you need help with payments or want to verify your order, our team is always available to support you.

Can I Track My Order?

Yes! Once your order ships, you’ll receive a USPS tracking number via email. You can use it to follow your package from our warehouse to the correctional facility.

Keep in mind that tracking will only show delivery to the prison, not internal delivery to the inmate.

Pro Tips to Avoid Issues

  • Double-check the inmate's info before checkout

  • Only send 2–3 books per order

  • Choose content that is non-explicit and facility-safe

  • Never include extras like letters or bookmarks

  • Use NJ Corrections Bookstore to ensure compliance

Final Thoughts

Sending books to an inmate in New Jersey doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right vendor, clear guidelines, and a little attention to detail, you can give your loved one the gift of growth, reflection, and connection.

At NJ Corrections Bookstore, we make the process safe, compliant, and easy from start to finish. Whether you're sending a self-help book, a devotional, or a GED prep guide, we’ve got you covered.

Contact NJ 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 New Jersey simple, secure, and stress-free.

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