How to Send Books, Publications, and Photos to Someone at SWICC (and When You Can't Drop Them Off)
Sending books, magazines, newspapers, or photos to someone at SWICC? The rules boil down to who ships the item and how it gets there.
Starting September 30, 2025, all publications for people in custody must be mailed directly from the publisher. SWICC won't accept books, magazines, or newspapers you try to drop off during a visit - no exceptions. If you want your loved one to receive something, order it so the publisher (or an approved distributor) ships it straight to them.
Note: Put the person’s IDOC number right next to their name on the envelope, and also on each page, photo, or other document you send - this helps mail get processed promptly.
IDOC defines
Exceptions
- ✓ Materials received for programs under the Office of Adult Education and Vocational Services
- ✓ Materials received for other approved programs
- ✓ Materials received for the facility library
- ✓ Materials received for religious programs
Photos follow different rules. If a photo-printing vendor mails original photographs directly to your loved one - and the photos include the vendor's watermark or logo - those originals get delivered (assuming the content itself is allowed). This works even when you place the order and the printing company handles the rest.
IDOC won't scan or photocopy publications, and they won't scan photos sent directly from photo-printing services either. Keep it simple: publications should come from an approved publisher, and photos should be printed and mailed by a photo vendor if you want the originals delivered.
- Choose a qualifying publisher/vendor - Order from a sender that counts as a “publisher” under IDOC’s policy; IDOC specifically lists Amazon.com and Walmart.com as acceptable examples.
- Make sure it ships directly through the mail - The publication needs to be mailed directly from the publisher/vendor to the person in custody.
- Add the IDOC number everywhere it belongs - Put the person’s IDOC number next to their name on the envelope, and also on each page, photo, or other document.
- Keep your order details - Save your order confirmation and any shipment information so you can reference what was sent and when.
- Use an exception path when it truly applies - If the materials are for an approved program, the facility library, the Office of Adult Education and Vocational Services, or a religious program, follow the instructions for that program/library submission.
Reminder: Don't try dropping off books or magazines at SWICC for a specific person - they won't be accepted. Sending something for the facility library, a religious program, or another approved program? Use that program's submission process instead.
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