Magazines provide inmates with a valuable connection to the outside world. Whether it's sports, news, health, or culture, magazines offer mental stimulation, current information, and a welcome break from the routine of incarceration. But when it comes to mailing reading materials into correctional facilities, there are strict policies in place. So, can you send magazines to prison? The answer is yes — but only if you follow the right rules and choose the correct publications.
At Corrections Bookstore, we help families and friends successfully send approved magazines for inmates across the country. This guide outlines the rules for sending magazines to prison, the types of magazines allowed, and how to ensure your order is accepted without delay.
Why Magazines Matter for Inmates
Magazines offer a unique type of content that books may not always provide. They are current, visual, and formatted in shorter, more accessible articles. For inmates, magazines serve several important purposes:
- Keeping up with news, entertainment, and trends
- Supporting mental health through distraction and engagement
- Offering educational content on fitness, health, and self-improvement
- Encouraging positive hobbies and interests
Sending the right magazine can provide comfort, distraction, and inspiration — all important factors in an inmate's rehabilitation and day-to-day well-being.
Understanding Prison Magazine Policies
Every facility enforces specific prison magazine policies, and failing to follow them may result in the materials being rejected. While each institution has its own rules, the following guidelines are widely enforced:
- Magazines must be sent directly from a publisher or approved vendor. Third-party shipments or personal packages are typically not accepted.
- Only new, original copies are allowed. Used, photocopied, or modified magazines will be rejected.
- Content restrictions apply. Magazines containing nudity, violence, hate speech, or any content deemed a security risk are banned.
- Limitations may apply to the number or type of magazines an inmate can receive.
Before placing an order, check the specific facility’s publication policy or speak with its mailroom staff for confirmation.
What Are Approved Magazines for Inmates?
Approved magazines for inmates generally include publications that are educational, recreational, or inspirational in nature. Popular categories include:
- News and Current Events: USA Today, Time, The Week
- Sports and Fitness: Sports Illustrated, Men’s Health, Women’s Health
- General Interest: Reader’s Digest, National Geographic
- Music and Culture: Rolling Stone, XXL (facility-dependent)
- Faith-Based Publications: Christianity Today, Guideposts
- Hobby Magazines: Car & Driver, Popular Mechanics, cooking and crafting magazines
Always choose titles that are neutral, informative, and do not include controversial or graphic content. The goal is to select magazines inmates can receive without risk of rejection.
How to Send Magazines to Prison Correctly
To ensure your magazine order is accepted, follow these best practices:
- Order through an approved vendor like Corrections Bookstore, which complies with DOC shipping requirements.
- Double-check the inmate’s information, including full name, ID number, facility name, and housing unit.
- Select publications that comply with prison content rules and avoid anything that might be flagged by the mailroom.
- Do not include personal notes or letters with the magazines. Only the publications should be sent.
Our team at Corrections Bookstore ensures all orders are processed and packaged to meet correctional facility standards.
Common Reasons Magazine Orders Are Rejected
Despite the best intentions, magazine shipments are sometimes denied due to small but critical mistakes. Here are the most common reasons:
- Magazine was mailed from an unapproved source (e.g., eBay seller or private citizen)
- Inmate details were incorrect or incomplete
- The publication contained restricted content or advertisements
- The facility reached its maximum number of allowable subscriptions
Always review the prison’s magazine policies and stay within the approved guidelines to prevent delays or returns.
Why Choose Corrections Bookstore for Inmate Magazine Orders
At Corrections Bookstore, we understand the rules, limitations, and sensitivities surrounding the delivery of publications to correctional facilities. We make the process simple by:
- Offering a range of approved magazines for inmates
- Ensuring all orders are compliant with facility rules
- Managing accurate delivery details
- Providing timely customer support and tracking information
Our mission is to help families and friends stay connected by making access to reading materials safe and reliable.
Final Thoughts: Magazines Provide More Than Just Reading
Magazines are more than printed entertainment — they’re a lifeline to the outside world. By understanding rules for sending magazines to prison and ordering from a trusted source, you can ensure your gift is delivered successfully.
From supporting mental wellness to encouraging new interests, magazines play a vital role in rehabilitation and personal development.
Explore our growing collection of magazines inmates can receive at Corrections Bookstore and send something meaningful today.