Sending Books and Magazines to FCI Elkton: Publisher-Only Rule and Rejection Reasons

At FCI Elkton (and other Bureau of Prisons facilities), hardcover books and newspapers must come directly from the publisher, a book club, or a bookstore. Don't mail a hardcover book or newspaper yourself, even if it's brand new - order through an approved source so it arrives via a trackable, commercial chain. The facility enforces this "publisher-only" rule to control contraband risk and verify where items originated.

Even when a publication comes from an approved source, the Warden can reject it. The standard: if the material is detrimental to security, good order, or discipline - or could facilitate criminal activity - it won't make it through. Staff review all incoming reading material with this in mind.

1. Watch for written notice to the inmate - If a publication is rejected, the inmate is sent written notification of the rejection.
2. Know the 20-day clock starts from that notice - The Warden will retain the rejected publication for 20 days from the date the written notification is sent.
3. Use that window to appeal if needed - That 20-day retention period is there so the inmate can pursue an appeal through the Administrative Remedy Program while the material is still available for review.

Practical Steps Families

• ✓ Order hardcover books and newspapers so they ship directly from the publisher, a book club, or a bookstore.
• ✓ Save your order confirmation/receipt so you can show where the item came from if there’s a problem.
• ✓ Use tracking when it’s available so you can confirm delivery and timing.
• ✓ If the item is rejected, act quickly - rejected publications are retained for 20 days from the date the inmate is sent written notification, which is the window that supports an administrative remedy appeal.