Sending Books and Magazines to Dixon After September 30, 2025: What Changed

Starting September 30, 2025, Dixon will only accept publications - books, magazines, newspapers, and similar items - if they're mailed directly from a publisher. That means you can't send a book from home or mail one you already own. It won't meet the new requirement. If you want your loved one to receive reading material after that date, order through a source that qualifies as a "publisher" under IDOC's definition and have it shipped straight to the person in custody.

The postmark date is what matters. Dixon will accept publications postmarked September 30, 2025 or earlier. Anything postmarked after that gets sent back. So timing counts - if you order close to the deadline and it ships late, the package may bounce right back to you instead of reaching your loved one.

IDOC defines "publisher" broadly. It's not just traditional publishing houses. The definition includes book clubs, bookstores, and distributors. Religious organizations, ministries, educational institutions, and government agencies that sell or distribute publications also qualify. Online retailers count too - IDOC specifically lists Amazon.com and Walmart.com as examples. The key is that the publication ships directly from one of these approved sources, not through a friend or family member.

• ✓ A traditional publisher
• ✓ A book club
• ✓ A bookstore
• ✓ Another book, magazine, or newspaper distributor
• ✓ A religious organization or ministry
• ✓ An educational institution
• ✓ A unit of government that does mail-order or delivers publications
• ✓ An online retailer such as Amazon.com or Walmart.com

A few exceptions exist. The "must come directly from a publisher" rule doesn't apply to materials sent for programs under the Office of Adult Education and Vocational Services, other approved programs, the facility library, or religious programs. If a publication is part of one of these channels, different rules apply.

1. Choose an approved type of sender - Place the order through a source that qualifies as a “publisher” under IDOC’s broad definition (for example, a publisher, bookstore, book club, religious organization, educational institution, unit of government, or an online retailer like Amazon.com or Walmart.com).
2. Make sure it ships directly to the person in custody - The publication needs to be mailed directly from that publisher-type sender to your loved one at Dixon, not routed through you.
3. Save your order and shipping records - Keep the receipt/order confirmation plus any shipment or tracking details so you can document what was sent and from whom.
4. Watch the postmark date around the deadline - Publications with a postmark of September 30, 2025 or earlier will be accepted; anything postmarked after September 30 will be returned to the sender.
5. Keep everything until it’s received - If an item is returned, your records make it easier to reorder correctly or resolve the issue with the sender.