How to send books and magazines to someone at Pinckneyville Correctional Center
You can order books, magazines and newspapers for someone at Pinckneyville Correctional Center. The key is to have a qualifying publisher or seller mail the publication directly to them, rather than sending it yourself.
To send a publication to someone at Pinckneyville, arrange for a qualifying publisher to mail it directly to them. Under Illinois Department of Corrections publication guidance updated March 18, 2026, this direct-delivery requirement applies to publications for an individual in custody.
IDOC uses a broad definition of publisher. It includes publishers, book clubs, bookstores, other book, magazine or newspaper distributors, and religious organizations or ministries, educational institutions and government units that conduct mail-order business or otherwise deliver publications to readers. Examples include Barnes and Noble, Amazon.com and Walmart.com; these are examples, not an exclusive vendor list.
Do not bring publications to leave during a visit. IDOC does not allow visitors to drop off books, magazines or other publications at any facility for a specific person in custody.
The direct-from-publisher requirement does not apply to materials received for Office of Adult Education and Vocational Services programs, other approved programs, facility libraries or religious programs. These exceptions concern program and library materials, rather than ordinary personal publication orders.
IDOC permits new or used publications mailed directly by a qualifying publisher, including hardcover and softcover books, booklets, magazines, newsletters and newspapers. Publications must be free of contraband and comply with Department Rule Section 525.220, Standards for Publications. Publications that meet those requirements are to be delivered promptly.
Leather-bound religious scriptures are permitted. This allowance includes Bibles, Torahs, Tanakhs, Qurans and scriptures of other religious traditions.
Have the qualifying sender mail your order to the facility where the recipient is housed. For someone housed at Pinckneyville, use their name and IDOC number with this mailing address:
Individual in Custody Name & IDOC# 5835 State Route 154 Pinckneyville, IL 62274
You can use IDOC’s individual-in-custody search to locate the recipient’s IDOC number and facility.
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