Sending books to Northwestern Detention Center — approved vendors and format rules
Want your loved one at Northwestern to actually receive a book? The source matters as much as the title. Here's what you need to know about vendor-only rules, approved distributors, and what to do if something gets rejected.
Northwestern only accepts books sent directly from an approved distributor or the publisher - no exceptions. The same goes for newspapers and magazines: they must come straight from the publisher or an approved book distributor.
Approved Vendors
- ✓ Amazon (must be sold/shipped in a way that is not marketplace or third-party)
- ✓ SureShot Books
- ✓ ThriftBooks
- ✓ Avoid marketplace/third-party vendors entirely - those orders will be refused and returned to sender
The most common reason books get refused? Ordering through a marketplace or third-party seller. Northwestern won't accept items purchased that way. If it's not mailed directly from the publisher or an approved distributor, it gets returned to sender.
If your book gets rejected: The inmate can file an appeal through the grievance procedure. You can also appeal directly - send a written explanation along with a copy of the rejection notice (DC138) to the Captain of Security.
- Pick an approved source - Order only from an approved distributor (Amazon, SureShot Books, or ThriftBooks) or directly from the publisher.
- Use Amazon carefully - If you choose Amazon, avoid marketplace or third-party vendors; those purchases won’t be accepted and will be returned to sender.
- Address it to the inmate’s full name at the facility - Use: Inmate Name, 141 Fort Collier Road, Winchester, Virginia 22603.
- Save your order details - Keep the order confirmation/receipt so you can show where it came from if you need to appeal a rejection.
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