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Sending Books to Someone at Tarrant County Jail: Why Your Amazon Order Will Be Rejected

Want to send books to someone at Tarrant County Jail? Here's what you need to know upfront: the jail is strict about who can ship books and which carriers can deliver them. If your package doesn't come directly from a publisher via UPS or USPS, it will be rejected.

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Sending Books to Someone at Tarrant County Jail: Why Your Amazon Order Will Be Rejected

Tarrant County Jail only accepts new, soft-backed books shipped directly from an established publisher. This is where most people run into problems. Even if your book is brand new, it'll be turned away if it's coming from the wrong sender. The shipment has to originate from the publisher itself - not from you, not from a typical retailer.

The carrier matters too. Book packages are only accepted via UPS or the United States Postal Service (USPS). Any other delivery service? Rejected. Check the shipping method before you order - it'll save you time and money.

Why Amazon orders get rejected: Most Amazon packages arrive via third-party couriers, and Tarrant County Jail won't accept them. If it's not coming through UPS or USPS, expect it to be refused.

Magazines and crossword/puzzle books follow a different rule: they must be subscription-based and sent directly from the publisher. Copies from retailers or distributors won't be accepted - that includes Barnes & Noble. If you want someone to receive magazines or puzzle books regularly, set up a subscription that ships straight from the publisher to the jail.

Approved Publishers Examples

  • Penguin Random House
  • Harper Collins Publishing
  • Simon & Schuster Publishing
  • Hachette Book Group
  • MacMillian Publishing
  • Bloomsbury Publishing
  • SureShot Publishing
  • Tyndale Publishing / Tyndale House Publishing
  • Penny Publications
  • Scholastic Publishing

Books, magazines, and postal or Western Union money orders for deposit to an inmate’s account should be mailed to this address: 100 North Lamar Street Fort Worth, TX 76196

Once a shipment arrives, staff will only process it if it meets the requirements: new soft-backed books, shipped directly from an established publisher, delivered via UPS or USPS. Third-party couriers (including typical Amazon deliveries) mean automatic rejection. Before placing any order, double-check two things: Is the sender the publisher? Is it shipping through UPS or USPS?

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