Can You Send Books or Care Packages to Someone at FMC Devens?
Want to send comfort items to someone at FMC Devens? The rules are strict—packages from home generally aren't allowed, but books and magazines can get through if they come from the right source. Here's how it works.
Someone at FMC Devens can't receive a package you mail from home unless there's prior written approval from their unit team or other authorized staff. No approval? The package gets refused or sent back - it won't reach your loved one.
The only exceptions for "from home" packages are release clothing and authorized medical devices. Even these require coordination in advance - they're treated as special cases that need authorization before you mail anything.
Books and reading material follow different rules than care packages. Magazines, hardcover books, and paperbacks must be sent directly from the publisher, a book club, or a bookstore - not from your home address. Because FMC Devens is an administrative institution, this rule applies to softcover items too, including newspaper clippings and similar publications.
- ✓ Order books or subscriptions so they ship directly from the publisher, a book club, or a bookstore.
- ✓ Don’t repackage items at home or forward them yourself - home-mailed publications usually won’t be accepted.
- ✓ Save your order confirmation and tracking details in case you need to follow up.
- ✓ Before you place the order, confirm the retailer will ship to a federal correctional facility (some sellers won’t).
Even when a book or magazine is sent correctly, it still has to pass review. The Warden can reject a publication if it's considered detrimental to security, good order, or discipline - or if it could facilitate criminal activity. Rejections are about safety concerns, not ordering mistakes.
Note: If commercially published material can’t be distributed due to statutory restrictions (including certain sexually explicit or nudity content), staff will return it to the publisher or sender and notify the inmate.
- Order publications from an approved source - Use the publisher, a book club, or a bookstore so the shipment qualifies for delivery at FMC Devens.
- Keep your receipts and tracking - Save the order confirmation, shipping notice, and tracking number so you can document what was sent.
- Make sure the seller ships to prisons - Some retailers won’t; it’s better to confirm before you pay.
- Ask for written approval if you’re seeking an exception - If what you want to send isn’t a standard publication and would count as a package, the unit team (or authorized staff) needs to approve it in writing first.
Want to send a care package from home? Work around the limits. Only release clothing and authorized medical devices are allowed, so coordinate with the unit team first. Make sure the item is approved before you mail anything.
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