Sending Books and Magazines to Someone at USP Florence ADMAX: Publisher‑Only Rules Explained

At USP Florence ADMAX (like other Bureau of Prisons facilities), books and periodicals aren’t treated like regular personal mail. Magazines, hardback books, and paperback books are generally allowed only when they’re sent directly from the publisher - meaning they ship out from the original source, not from a friend’s house. BOP policy is especially clear about certain items: hardcover publications and newspapers may be received only from the publisher, a book club, or a bookstore. If the item shows up with a “from” address that looks like an individual sender (even if you bought it new), it’s more likely to get refused.

Softcover rules (paperbacks and similar items) can change depending on the institution’s security level. In practice, that means what’s acceptable at one BOP facility may not be handled the same way at another - even when the title is fine. If you’re trying to avoid delays, treat paperbacks the same way you’d treat hardcovers: plan for publisher/book club/bookstore shipping, and double‑check the local mail policy before you place a big order.

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• ✓ Publications that depict or describe how to construct or use weapons, ammunition, bombs, or incendiary devices

• ✓ Publications that depict, encourage, or describe escape methods
• ✓ Publications containing blueprints, drawings, or similar descriptions of Bureau of Prisons institutions

• ✓ Publications that depict or describe how to brew alcoholic beverages
• ✓ Publications that depict or describe drug manufacture

• ✓ Publications written in code

1. Choose a publisher/book club/bookstore source - For USP Florence ADMAX, magazines and books should be sent directly from the publisher, and BOP policy also allows hardcover publications and newspapers only from the publisher, a book club, or a bookstore.
2. Place the order so it ships from that source - The goal is for the package to arrive as a direct shipment, not re-mailed by a friend or family member.
3. Avoid “hand‑off” deliveries - Even if the item is brand new, a package that appears to come from a home address can run into the same restrictions as other non‑approved packages.

If you were thinking about sending a “care package” from home, plan on a no - unless you have prior written approval from the inmate’s unit team or another authorized staff member. And even with approval, the BOP’s allowed-from-home package categories are narrow: release clothing and authorized medical devices. Anything outside those categories is likely to be refused.

Paperback (softcover) publication rules can vary by the institution’s security level. Before you order a stack of paperbacks or start a subscription, it’s smart to confirm the current mail/publications rules for where your loved one is housed so you don’t lose time (or money) on a shipment that won’t be accepted.

1. Ask what was refused and why - Start with the inmate’s unit team (or authorized staff) so you can confirm what was allowed and what wasn’t.
2. Confirm whether the problem was the shipping source - If it didn’t come directly from the publisher/book club/bookstore, you’ll usually need to re-order it so it ships from an acceptable source.
3. Use the refusal reason to plan your next attempt - Once you know whether it was a “where it came from” issue or something else, you can decide what to order next and how to send it.