Can You Send Packages, Books, or Magazines to Someone at MCC Chicago?

You generally can't mail a package from home to someone at MCC Chicago. Packages require prior written approval from the person's unit team or other authorized staff. Send a box without that approval, and it'll likely be rejected. Before you spend money on shipping, confirm what's actually allowed.

• ✓ Release clothing
• ✓ Authorized medical devices

Books and magazines follow different rules. At MCC Chicago, incarcerated individuals can receive magazines, hardbacks, and paperbacks - but only when shipped directly from the publisher. You can't buy a used copy, wrap it up at home, and mail it yourself, even if the book is brand new to you.

Hardcover books and newspapers have even stricter sourcing rules: they must come directly from the publisher, a book club, or a bookstore. Place your order so it ships straight from the seller to the facility. Don't have it sent to you first and then re-mail it.

Even publications sent the right way must meet the Bureau's content standards. The Warden can reject something only if it threatens the facility's security, good order, or discipline - or if it could facilitate criminal activity. A publication can't be rejected simply because the viewpoint is unpopular or controversial. Generally, people at MCC Chicago can subscribe to or receive commercial publications without prior approval, as long as the content doesn't cross those security lines.

1. Confirm what’s allowed for them - Have your loved one check with their unit team about what they can receive, especially if you’re thinking about sending anything that looks like a “package from home.”
2. Order publications to ship directly from the source - For books and magazines, use the publisher’s shipping channel (not a home re-mail) so it meets the direct-from-publisher requirement.
3. Don’t mail a home package unless you have written approval - Without prior written approval from the unit team or authorized staff, home-sent packages are not allowed.