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How to Send Books to Someone in an Idaho Prison (What Vendors, Sizes, and Formats Are Allowed)

Sending a book to someone in an Idaho prison is doable, but the Idaho Department of Correction (IDOC) has strict rules about where books come from and how big they can be. Follow the vendor and format requirements from the start, and your order is much more likely to arrive without issues.

• 2 min read • idoc.idaho.gov
How to Send Books to Someone in an Idaho Prison (What Vendors, Sizes, and Formats Are Allowed)

You can't mail a book directly to someone in an Idaho prison yourself. All publications must ship straight from the publisher or from an IDOC-approved vendor. Every package also needs a receipt or invoice. This paperwork helps the mailroom verify where the book came from and what's inside - without it, the book gets treated like personal mail and likely won't make it through.

IDOC maintains a specific list of approved vendors: Edward R. Hamilton, Thrift Books, Discover Books, More than Words, Prison Book Program, Books a Million, Books N Things, Sure Shot Books, The Women's Prison Book Project, and Idaho Prison Arts Collective. One important detail: Amazon is not an approved vendor. If you're ordering online, stick with the publisher or one of the vendors listed above. That gives your book the best chance of being accepted.

IDOC allows both new and used books, but they must be softcover. Hardcovers aren't permitted. Size limits apply too: books can't exceed 11 inches long, 8 1/2 inches wide, or 3 inches thick. Check the product details before you order - no point paying for something that won't be accepted.

How to Send Books to Someone in an Idaho Prison (What Vendors, Sizes, and Formats Are Allowed)

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  • ✓ Order only from the book’s publisher or an IDOC-approved vendor (don’t use Amazon).
  • ✓ Make sure the vendor ships the book directly to the prison (no “ship to you first” plans).
  • ✓ Confirm the order will include a receipt or invoice in the package.
  • ✓ Choose softcover only.
  • ✓ Check the book’s dimensions: no more than 11 inches long, 8 1/2 inches wide, and 3 inches thick.
  • ✓ If you’re unsure about a seller, confirm they’re on the IDOC-approved list before you place the order.

Reminder: Books must come directly from the publisher or an IDOC-approved vendor, and they need a receipt or invoice. Amazon is not approved - orders from there won't be accepted.

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