What You Can and Can't Mail to Someone at Craven County Jail (rules, book ban, and stamps)

Here are the biggest deal-breakers. As of April 10, 2023, Craven County Jail no longer accepts books - the only exception is legal documents or legal books. Postcards? Not allowed. Polaroid photos? Also banned. Any revealing, nude, or pornographic photos will be rejected, along with explicit letters. And don't try mailing supplies like blank paper, stamps, or envelopes. Inmates have to buy those through the canteen.

Thinking about sending a paperback or devotional? Hold off before ordering. As of April 10, 2023, Craven County Jail does not accept books for inmates. Legal documents and legal books are the only exception - anything else will likely be turned away.

Keep photos simple and conservative. Polaroid photographs aren't allowed at Craven County Jail, and neither are postcards. Even with regular photos, content matters - revealing, nude, or pornographic images are prohibited. Explicit letters can be rejected too.

Magazines and newspapers face an extra hurdle. They're not allowed unless approved by the proper authority, so don't assume a subscription or single issue will make it through. Want to send reading material? Get clarity on the approval process first.

Cards-envelopes-packaging

• ✓ Don’t send cards that have double or folded and glued pages.
• ✓ Don’t send cards with anything stuck or glued on them.
• ✓ Avoid bubble wrap, padded, or double-lined envelopes.
• ✓ Don’t put stickers on the envelope or on anything inside the mail.

This one catches a lot of families off guard: don't mail basic writing supplies. Craven County Jail won't accept blank paper, stamps, or envelopes. Inmates have to purchase these items from the canteen instead.

1. Compare what you sent to the most common rejection rules - mail often gets kicked back for card styles with glued layers/items, or for content that isn’t allowed.
2. Double-check print material requirements - magazines and newspapers aren’t allowed unless approved by the proper authority, so an unapproved issue may be rejected.
3. Call Craven County Jail for clarification - rules can change without notice, and staff can tell you what to fix before you resend. The number is 252-636-6619.

Practical-tips

• ✓ Skip sending books unless they are legal documents or legal books (the only exception to the April 10, 2023 book ban).
• ✓ Choose simple cards only - avoid double/folded glued pages and anything stuck or glued onto the card.
• ✓ Treat magazines and newspapers as “approval required” items and confirm the proper-authority approval before you try to send them.