What You Can't Send in the Mail to Craven County Jail (and the April 2023 book ban)

Craven County Jail changed its mail rules on April 10, 2023: the jail no longer accepts books for inmates. The only exception is legal documents or legal books, so if what you’re mailing isn’t clearly legal material, assume it will be rejected and choose another way to help.

Short Checklist

• ✓ Books (effective April 10, 2023) - the only exception is legal documents or legal books
• ✓ Polaroid photographs
• ✓ Postcards

The book ban is the biggest change, but other items trip families up too. The jail also rejects mail containing comic strips or puzzle pages, padded or double-lined envelopes (including bubble wrap mailers), and anything with stickers. Watch out with greeting cards. Cards with double or folded-and-glued pages, or cards with items stuck or glued onto them, can be turned away. Photos and letters have content limits as well - revealing, nude, or pornographic photographs aren't allowed, and that includes explicit letters.

If you’re not sure whether something will be accepted, call Craven County Jail at 252-636-6619 before you mail it. A quick call can save you time, money, and the frustration of having your mail turned away.

Planning to mail reading material? Keep the April 10, 2023 rule in mind: books aren't accepted, with the only exception being legal documents or legal books. Some everyday items can't be mailed in either - they have to be purchased inside. Blank paper, stamps, and envelopes fall into this category. Inmates must buy them from the canteen.