Sending Books to Northwestern: Approved Vendors, Format, and Package Rules
Sending reading material to Northwestern is very doable, but the source matters. Books, magazines, and newspapers have to come directly from the publisher or an approved distributor. Anything else gets sent back.
Northwestern Regional Adult Detention Center allows inmates to receive books and magazines through the mail, but only if the order ships directly from an approved distributor or the publisher itself. Newspapers and magazines are also accepted under the same rule. If it's not coming straight from the publisher or an approved book distributor, it won't make it through.
- ✓ Amazon (no marketplace or third-party vendors)
- ✓ SureShot Books
- ✓ Thriftbooks
The biggest rule at Northwestern is straightforward: books, magazines, and newspapers must be mailed directly from the publisher or an approved distributor. This applies even if you're ordering through a well-known retailer. Marketplace and third-party seller purchases are not accepted. If the item doesn't ship directly from the publisher or an approved distributor, the facility will return it to the sender.
Common return reason: Orders fulfilled by a marketplace or third-party seller (rather than shipping directly from the publisher or an approved distributor) will be rejected and returned to the sender.
- Get the rejection paperwork (DC138) - you will need a copy of the rejection or redactions notice.
- Write a brief explanation - explain why you believe the rejected item should be accepted.
- Send your appeal to the Captain of Security - include both your explanation and a copy of the DC138 notice.
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