How to Send Books to an Inmate at Monroe Detention Center (Without Breaking the Rules)

Monroe accepts softbound books, newspapers, magazines, and other periodicals - but only when shipped directly from the publisher or an Internet website. That word "directly" is key. Packages from retail bookstores or private individuals get rejected, even if the book itself would be allowed. Place your order so it ships straight from an approved source to the facility.

Go with paperback whenever you can. Monroe won't accept hardback books unless the Jail Commander approves them ahead of time. Send a hardcover without that approval and it'll be rejected during screening - your loved one won't get it, and you're out the money.

Here's something that catches people off guard: inmates can only have three books in their cell at a time. Sending a stack of books can backfire if they're already at the limit. Send one at a time, or coordinate so your loved one has room to keep what you send.

Beyond the three-book rule, State Fire Marshal restrictions cap the total volume of paperwork an inmate can possess. This matters if they're also receiving newspapers, magazines, or other mail. If your loved one is near their storage limits, a new delivery might not be able to stay with them.

1. Ask how many books they already have - Monroe only allows three books in an inmate’s cell at one time.
2. Plan a rotation - if they’re already at the limit, wait to send another book until they’ve finished one and have room.
3. Keep paper volume in mind - Fire Marshal paperwork-volume limits can tighten what they’re allowed to keep, especially if they’re also getting magazines or other paper mail.

Common Rejection Reasons

• ✓ Sent from a retail bookstore or a private individual instead of directly from the publisher or an Internet website
• ✓ Hardback book sent without Jail Commander approval
• ✓ Other mail-policy problems (for example, items treated as unacceptable under the facility’s incoming mail rules)