Sending Books to an Inmate at Yellowstone County Detention: The Complete Checklist
Getting a book or magazine through mail screening comes down to the details. Follow the rules and checklists below to avoid the most common reasons items get refused.
Yellowstone County Detention only accepts paperback books. Anything with spiral bindings, metal, or plastic components will be refused.
Books and magazines must be no larger than 8.5 x 11 inches.
Yellowstone County Detention allows up to 5 items per shipment, counting books and magazines together. Plan your order accordingly.
Only new books are accepted. Used copies get rejected even if they look clean, so buy new to avoid delays.
Shipments must come directly from a recognized publisher or distributor at a location not open to the public. Random third-party marketplace sellers are not allowed. The facility lists Barnes & Noble, Powells, and Amazon as approved sources. If you use Amazon, check the listing details and confirm the item ships from Amazon, not an unknown third-party seller.
Use this exact address format, with your loved one's full name on the first line: INMATE'S FULL NAME 3165 King Ave E Billings, Montana 59101
- ✓ Order from a recognized publisher/distributor, shipped directly to the jail (no unknown third-party sellers)
- ✓ If buying through Amazon, confirm the item ships from Amazon
- ✓ Address the package to the inmate’s full name at 3165 King Ave E, Billings, Montana 59101
All books and magazines are inspected for contraband and content. Staff can refuse anything they believe conflicts with safety and security.
If an item is deemed inappropriate, it won't be issued to the inmate. The facility may return it to the sender or place it in the inmate's property.
If a package is lost, refused, or returned, the cost falls on you. Yellowstone County Detention is not responsible for lost or refused items or their shipping costs.
Pre Purchase Checklist
- ✓ The seller is a recognized publisher/distributor and will ship directly (not an unknown third-party seller)
- ✓ The book is paperback only (no spiral bindings, metal, plastic, etc.)
- ✓ You are sending 5 items or fewer in the shipment (books and magazines combined)
- ✓ The shipping label uses the inmate’s full name and the facility address: 3165 King Ave E, Billings, Montana 59101
- ✓ The book or magazine is no larger than 8.5 x 11 inches
- ✓ The book is new (not used)
Tip: Marketplace orders are a common failure point. If ordering through Amazon, confirm the item ships from Amazon (not a third-party). The facility won't cover refused items or shipping costs.
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