Incarceration is a mentally and emotionally challenging experience, but the right publications can make a world of difference. Whether it's a magazine that brings a slice of the outside world, a puzzle book that sharpens the mind, or a legal newsletter that informs and empowers, approved reading materials are essential tools for inmate wellness, education, and rehabilitation.
At Corrections Bookstore, we specialize in facility-approved magazines, puzzle books, and legal news subscriptions for incarcerated individuals. Our publications are handpicked to meet Department of Corrections (DOC) guidelines, meaning they're safe to send, impactful to read, and designed with the incarcerated reader in mind.
Why Facility-Approved Reading Material Matters
In prison, the right kind of reading material provides:
- Mental stimulation and cognitive engagement
- Stress relief and emotional comfort
- Educational insights and legal awareness
- Connection to the outside world
- Entertainment during long, repetitive days
- Inspiration for self-improvement and reentry
For many inmates, a magazine issue, crossword puzzle, or legal update is a lifeline, a reminder that their minds matter and their lives can still move forward.
What Books are Allowed in Prisons?
Correctional facilities across the U.S. have strict rules about what can and cannot be mailed to inmates. In general, facility-approved publications must:
- Be new and shipped directly from an authorized vendor (like Corrections Bookstore)
- Be free of explicit content, gang references, or violent themes
- Be paperback only, without staples (if required by the facility)
- Be in line with DOC regulations, which vary by state and facility
We make it easy by only offering books and magazines that meet these requirements. We’ve shipped to hundreds of facilities nationwide, and we know what gets accepted.
Top Categories of Approved Publications
1. Magazines for Inmates
Magazines provide up-to-date information, colorful visuals, and a sense of connection to current trends, pop culture, or niche interests. Popular options include:
- Sports Magazines – Sports Illustrated, Slam, ESPN
- Urban Culture & Hip-Hop – Kite Magazine, XXL
- News & Current Events – Time, Newsweek, The Economist
- Men’s & Lifestyle – GQ, Men's Health, Esquire
- Tattoo & Art – Inked Magazine, Skin & Ink
- Entertainment & Celebrity Gossip – People, Rolling Stone, US Weekly
- Spanish Language Magazines – TV y Novelas, Vanidades, Muy Interesante
All magazine subscriptions are mail-based (monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly) and delivered via USPS. We handle the logistics, you choose the title, we handle the rest.
2. Puzzle & Brain Game Books
Mental exercise is vital behind bars. Puzzle books provide structure, problem-solving challenges, and even a competitive edge among inmates.
Our selection includes:
- Crossword Puzzle Books
- Sudoku & Number Games
- Word Search Books
- Logic & Brain Teasers
- Maze Books & Visual Puzzles
These books help develop:
- Focus and patience
- Memory retention and mental clarity
- Stress relief and quiet time
We offer combo bundles and individual puzzle titles, always in paperback format, clean content, and ready to ship into most U.S. correctional institutions.
3. Legal News & Self-Advocacy Publications
Legal awareness is one of the most requested types of content from inmates. Many incarcerated individuals actively study:
- Case law
- Prisoner rights
- Sentence reduction options
- Appeal strategies
Top-requested legal resources include:
- Jailhouse Lawyer’s Handbook
- Prison Legal News (subscription)
- Know Your Rights in Prison guides
- Self-help motion templates and legal prep books
- How to File Habeas Corpus or 1983 Civil Rights Claims
Legal reading empowers inmates to self-advocate, challenge unlawful treatment, and prepare for reentry with stronger knowledge of the justice system.
How to Order Approved Publications for an Inmate
Ordering from Corrections Bookstore is easy, safe, and correctional-friendly. Here's how:
Step 1: Choose Your Items
Browse our collections by:
- Magazines
- Puzzle Books
- Legal Publications
- Or use our curated Bundles for Inmates
We only stock paperback items that are approved for correctional mailrooms.
Step 2: Enter the Inmate’s Info at Checkout
Make sure to include:
- Full name of the inmate
- Inmate ID / DOC number
- Facility name and full mailing address
Step 3: We Ship It, You Track It
We ship using USPS Media Mail or Priority Mail, with tracking included. Processing time is typically 1–3 business days.
Once the package is accepted by the facility’s mailroom, internal delivery is handled by staff.
Important Reminders Before You Order
- No hardcovers, used books, or handwritten notes inside the shipment
- No inserts (letters, photos, stickers, etc.) allowed
- Limit the number of items per package (check facility rules)
- Magazines are delivered monthly or per schedule, start times may vary
- If a publication is rejected, we can assist with substitutes or credit if eligible
What Families Say About Our Service
“My brother’s favorite part of the month is getting his XXL Magazine and Sudoku book. Thank you for making it easy!” – Ashley, NJ
“Legal guides arrived without issue. Best resource I’ve found for sending books to prisons.” – Malik, IN
“This is the only place I found that bundles puzzle books AND delivers to DOC. Appreciate you all!” – Hector, TX
Gift a Magazine or Puzzle Pack Today
Not sure what to send? We offer:
- Monthly Subscription Packages
- Puzzle Book Bundles (3–5 titles)
- Urban Magazines & Legal Reads Combo Packs
- Spanish-Language Options
Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or surprise gifts that show you're thinking of them—even from afar.
Ready to Order?
Visit https://www.correctionsbookstore.com
Questions? We’re here to help:
Email: info@correctionsbookstore.com
Phone: 201.559.0592
Because approved publications can change a day, and change a life.
Send knowledge. Send puzzles. Send hope.