Sending Books and Magazines to FCI Greenville: What Is Allowed (and What Will Be Returned)
Want your loved one at FCI Greenville to actually receive a book, magazine, or newspaper? The sender matters just as much as the content. The safest approach: order publications so they ship directly from an approved commercial source.
FCI Greenville doesn't accept hardcover books or newspapers mailed from home. These must ship directly from the publisher, a book club, or a bookstore. Send a hardcover any other way, and it's likely coming back - the approved-source rule is strict.
- ✓ Order the book, magazine, or newspaper so it ships directly from the publisher, a book club, or a bookstore.
- ✓ Make sure the sender’s name and address are clearly shown on the outside of the package.
- ✓ Use the incarcerated person’s full name and register number on the order/shipping label so mailroom staff can match it to the right person.
FCI Greenville applies the same strict rules to softcover items. Paperback books, magazines, and newspaper clippings must come directly from the publisher, a book club, or a bookstore. Even "just a paperback" can't come from your home address or ship as a used book from an unapproved source.
Hardcover books and newspapers face the same restriction: they're only accepted from the publisher, a book club, or a bookstore. Don't assume hardcover is "nicer so it's fine." The format doesn't override the sender requirement.
FCI Greenville generally doesn't allow packages from home unless the unit team or other authorized staff has given prior written approval. The exceptions are narrow: release clothing and authorized medical devices. If you're sending a book or magazine, stick to the publications lane - order from an approved commercial source rather than tucking it into a care package.
Even when a book or magazine ships from the right source, content can still get it rejected. Under BOP authority, sexually explicit material or publications featuring nudity won't be distributed. When that happens, the item is returned to the sender or publisher under the process tied to 18 U.S.C. §4042 note.
Warning: If a publication is deemed sexually explicit or to feature nudity, it won’t be given to your loved one and may be returned to the sender or publisher.
How Families Can Avoid Returns
- ✓ Buy and ship publications directly from the publisher, a book club, or a bookstore (not from home).
- ✓ Double-check that the seller will show a clear sender name and address on the outside of the package.
- ✓ Pick the format with the rules in mind: at FCI Greenville, softcover and hardcover both need to come from approved sources.
- ✓ Avoid books or magazines that could be considered sexually explicit or that feature nudity.
- ✓ Save your order confirmation and any tracking details so you can follow up if the item is returned.
Publications are allowed as long as they don't create a security problem - and sexually explicit material or nudity is a clear line. If staff flag a publication, it won't be distributed and will be sent back under the statutory process. Choosing the right title matters just as much as choosing the right seller.
- Choose an approved source - Place the order with the publisher, a book club, or a bookstore so it ships directly to FCI Greenville.
- Match the format to the rule - Treat both softcover (paperbacks, magazines) and hardcover as “approved-source only” items here.
- Screen the content before you buy - Skip anything that could be deemed sexually explicit or that features nudity.
- Keep your paperwork - Save the receipt/order confirmation and tracking so you have the details if the item is returned.
- Don’t try to send it as a home package - Packages from home require prior written approval from the unit team or authorized staff, with only limited exceptions.
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