Why You Can't Send Books from Amazon to ASPC La Palma (And Where You Can Order From)

Amazon isn't an approved vendor at ASPC La Palma. It doesn't matter if the book is brand-new or completely harmless - the issue is where it ships from. Books must come directly from a recognized seller, not through Amazon's marketplace.

When ordering from an approved vendor, double-check the shipping address. Inmate mail goes to: Central Arizona Florence Correctional Complex, P.O. Box 6300, Florence, AZ 85132.

Barnes & Noble and Hamilton Books are two direct-source vendors the facility accepts. The key phrase here is "direct source" - the book has to ship straight from a seller the facility recognizes. Amazon doesn't qualify.

Practical Ordering Advice

• ✓ Order books only from permitted direct-source vendors (not Amazon)
• ✓ Make sure the vendor ships directly to the facility (avoid third-party/marketplace fulfillment)
• ✓ Expect approved books to be inspected for contraband before your loved one receives them
• ✓ If you’re also sending eyeglasses: they can be ordered through a vendor or sent from home, but they must have no metal or wire and must be approved and entered into the OMS mail log by unit staff

Before ordering, check the vendor's shipping and return policies. Make sure they can ship directly to the facility P.O. Box. If the seller routes orders through a marketplace or can't deliver to that address, your package will likely get rejected and sent back.

1. Confirm why it was rejected - Packages aren’t allowed without advance arrangements approved by the warden/administrator, so start by finding out whether the issue was approval, vendor source, or something else.
2. Ask what approval or “advance arrangements” are required - If the facility says the item needs prior approval, follow their process before trying again.
3. Plan for postage/fees - The inmate/detainee may be responsible for paying postage for packages and oversized or overweight mail, so a rejected shipment can create extra costs.
4. Follow the facility’s instructions for next steps - Once you know the reason, you can decide whether to reorder from an approved direct-source vendor or handle any pickup/return steps the facility requires.