What You Can and Can't Send to Someone in Butte County Jail (Books, Magazines, Packages)
Butte County Jail has strict rules about incoming mail. Stick to two basics—send reading material only from the publisher or manufacturer, and don't include extras—and you'll avoid most rejections.
Magazines, books, and newspapers must be sent directly from the publisher - no local companies allowed. For books specifically, only paperbacks shipped straight from the manufacturer will be accepted. Hardbacks? Rejected. The jail also won't accept packages or other articles for inmates, including common items like stamps and envelopes.
Want to send a magazine or newspaper? It has to come straight from the publisher. The jail enforces this rule broadly and explicitly bans local companies. Dropping something off in person, having a local shop ship it, or sending it yourself won't work - it'll get turned away.
Books have an extra requirement: paperback only, shipped directly from the manufacturer. Hardbacks won't be accepted, even brand new ones. When ordering online, double-check that you're getting a paperback and that it ships from the manufacturer - not from an individual seller.
Tip: Before ordering, confirm the item ships directly from the publisher (magazines and newspapers) or manufacturer (paperback books). That shipping detail often determines whether your package gets delivered or rejected.
Thinking about mailing some "helpful extras"? Don't bother. The jail won't accept packages or other articles for inmates. Stamps and envelopes are specifically called out as items that will be refused.
Clothing is also off-limits, with one narrow exception: jury trial clothes. But even then, the jail won't accept them until they have court paperwork confirming a jury trial. Don't bring or send clothing expecting it to be held "just in case."
Practical Checklist
- ✓ For magazines, books, and newspapers, make sure they are sent directly from the publisher (no local companies).
- ✓ For books, send paperback only, delivered directly from the manufacturer (no hardbacks).
- ✓ Don’t include extra items or “care package” add-ons - no other articles or packages are accepted (including stamps and envelopes).
- ✓ If you’re writing a letter, address the envelope with the inmate’s name to: 7 Gillick Way, Oroville, CA 95965.
Physical mail feeling like too much hassle? Butte County Jail offers a Secure Mail System that lets you email inmates instead.
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