Sending Books & Magazines to Someone at Kewanee After Sept 30, 2025
Starting September 30, 2025, getting books and magazines to someone at Kewanee comes down to one thing: the item must ship directly from a qualifying
Beginning September 30, 2025, publications for individuals in custody will only be accepted if they’re mailed directly from a publisher.
IDOC defines
- ✓ Random House
- ✓ Barnes & Noble
- ✓ Amazon.com
- ✓ Walmart.com
- Choose a qualifying publisher/retailer - Pick a source that fits IDOC’s “publisher” definition (this can include bookstores, book clubs, and online retailers).
- Make sure the publisher is the one mailing it - Your order needs to ship directly from the publisher/retailer/distributor, not from you.
- Place the order using the person’s name and IDOC number - That identifier is how the facility matches the delivery to the right person.
Have the package addressed to the facility and include the individual’s name and IDOC number. For Kewanee Re-entry Center, the business mail address is 2021 Kentville Rd., Kewanee, IL 61443, and individual-in-custody mail is addressed to the person’s name & IDOC# at 2021 Kentville Rd., Kewanee, IL 61443.
Tip: To help with prompt processing, put the IDOC number near the person’s name on the envelope and on each page or photo included.
After September 30, 2025, visitors may no longer drop off books, magazines, or other publications at Kewanee Re-entry Center (or any IDOC facility) for a specific individual. If you want them to receive a publication, it needs to come through the mail directly from a publisher.
Exceptions
- ✓ Materials received for programs under the Office of Adult Education and Vocational Services
- ✓ Materials received for other approved programs
- ✓ Materials received for the facility library
- ✓ Materials received for religious programs
One more thing to keep in mind: IDOC facilities will scan and/or photocopy incoming non-privileged mail. That can affect how quickly items are processed and what your loved one actually receives in hand.
Tips to Avoid Delays
- ✓ Put the person’s IDOC number near their name on the envelope and on each page or photo included.
- ✓ Before you buy, confirm the shipment will be mailed directly from the publisher/retailer/distributor (not forwarded or repackaged by someone else).
If you’re unsure whether a seller counts as a qualifying source, check who the sender will be on the shipment. IDOC specifically lists examples that qualify - like Random House, Barnes & Noble, Amazon.com, and Walmart.com - so those can be a helpful reference point when you’re deciding where to order from.
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