Can I Send Books, Magazines, or Newspapers to Someone at ISCC? Idaho's Publication Rules
Sending reading material is a great way to stay connected with someone at ISCC. But Idaho Department of Correction rules are strict about where publications come from and what formats they'll accept. Here's how to order books, magazines, and newspapers so they actually arrive.
You can't mail books, magazines, or newspapers directly to a resident yourself. Everything has to come straight from the publisher or an IDOC-approved vendor - and the shipment must include a receipt or invoice. Get those two things right, and you'll avoid the most common reason publications get rejected.
IDOC maintains a list of approved vendors for shipping publications. Some examples: 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. Before ordering, confirm your seller is still on the current approved list. This changes, and using an unapproved vendor means the package won't make it through.
Note: Approved vendor lists can change. Verify the current IDOC-approved vendor list before you buy or ship anything.
Amazon is not an approved vendor for IDOC. If you want the best chance of delivery, order directly from the publisher (for subscriptions) or use an IDOC-approved vendor.
Books can be new or used, but they must be softcover. Size limits: 11 inches long, 8.5 inches wide, and 3 inches thick maximum. Check product details before ordering - oversized books or hardbacks get refused.
Hardback books aren't automatically banned, but they require approval. Residents can request permission from facility administration for hardback educational, legal, or religious books when no softcover version exists. The resident needs to get this approval before the book is ordered or shipped.
Tip: Check the book’s dimensions before you order. If a hardback is the only format available, have the resident start the facility approval request early.
Magazines and newspapers must come directly from the publisher. They also need a printed delivery label showing the resident's name and address. Hand-addressed mail or forwarded issues get rejected - even if the content is fine.
- Confirm it ships from the publisher - magazines and newspapers must come directly from the publisher, not a third-party reseller.
- Make sure the delivery label is printed and complete - it needs to show the resident’s name and address on the label.
- Use approved sources when you’re unsure - for books and other publications, order through an IDOC-approved vendor and keep the receipt/invoice with the shipment.
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