Mailing Books to an Inmate at Butler County Prison: publisher rules and approved vendors

Paperback books, magazines, and newspapers can all be mailed to inmates at Butler County Prison - but they have to come from the right source. Magazines must be ordered in the inmate's name and shipped directly from the publisher or a distributor. Paperback books (standard novel size) also need to come from a distributor, not from your home address. Newspapers work a bit differently. They must be mailed from the newspaper's office. You'll place the subscription through the paper itself, and you're on the hook for payment, subscription details, and any delivery hiccups.

1. Pick the title(s) you want to send - choose standard paperback books (typical novel size) to avoid problems with acceptance.
2. Place the order through a bookstore or distributor - give them the inmate’s name so the shipment is addressed correctly.
3. Have the seller ship directly to the prison - the books must be mailed from the distributor to: Butler County Prison, 202 South Washington Street, Butler, PA 16001.

Butler County Prison maintains an

Even when a book, magazine, or newspaper ships from the correct source, the prison can still reject it. If management considers the content objectionable, it won't make it through. What counts as objectionable? Material that advocates violence, insurrection, or guerrilla warfare. Instructions for making weapons, explosives, or escape devices. Guides for manufacturing drugs or poisons. Anything meeting the legal definition of obscenity. To avoid wasted money, skim the description and reviews before ordering. Steer clear of anything that could reasonably be seen as a security risk.