Mail & Photos

Sending Books & Magazines to Gwinnett County Jail: A 1-page Checklist

Want to send reading material to someone at Gwinnett County Jail? Follow the publisher/authorized retailer rule and stay within size, weight, and quantity limits—that's the fastest way to avoid returns.

2 min read gwinnettcountysheriff.org
Sending Books & Magazines to Gwinnett County Jail: A 1-page Checklist

Gwinnett County Jail accepts magazines, non-local newspaper subscriptions, and books only when they ship directly from the publisher or an authorized retailer. Who sends it matters as much as what you buy. If it doesn't come from an approved source, expect it to be rejected before it ever reaches your loved one.

Heads up: Gwinnett County Jail does not accept packages from eBay or Amazon independent sellers.

Size Weight Quantity

  • Size limit: Books and magazines must be no larger than 8 x 11 inches.
  • Weight limit: The shipment must be 4 pounds or less.
  • Quantity limit: No more than 4 total items (books and/or magazines) in one shipment.

Skip hardcovers. Gwinnett County Jail won't accept hardbound books - that includes hardbound pamphlets and booklets. Stick to paperback editions from the publisher or an authorized retailer to give your order the best shot at getting through.

For packages sent via U.S. Mail or UPS containing books, newspapers, or magazines, Gwinnett County Jail requires two things: prepaid shipping and a packing slip or receipt that clearly lists the contents. Before placing your order, confirm the seller will include that paperwork in the box.

Warning: If the package is missing the packing slip/receipt or contains contraband, it will be returned to the sender at the sender’s expense.

Even if your shipment meets all the mailing rules, the content still has to pass review. Publications with jail-prohibited content will be confiscated - they won't reach the person in custody.

Confiscated publications don't get handed off to your loved one to sort out later. Gwinnett County Jail sends them back to the publisher or retailer.

Sending Books & Magazines to Gwinnett County Jail: A 1-page Checklist
  1. Buy from the right source - Order only from the publisher or an authorized retailer.
  2. Choose paperback - Hardbound books (including pamphlets and booklets) are not accepted.
  3. Confirm the size - Keep each item within 8 x 11 inches.
  4. Keep the shipment light - Stay at 4 pounds or less total.
  5. Limit the count - Send no more than 4 books and/or magazines in one shipment.
  6. Make it prepaid and documented - Ship prepaid and ensure there’s a packing slip or receipt stating the contents.

Final check: Avoid eBay or Amazon independent sellers. Missing paperwork or contraband can mean a return at your expense, and prohibited content can be confiscated and sent back to the publisher/retailer.

Find an Inmate at Gwinnett County Jail

Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.

Exact spelling helps find results faster

Free to search · Used by families nationwide
Woman using phone to connect with loved one

More from Gwinnett County Jail