Staying connected to a loved one behind bars can be difficult — but a book has the power to change everything. In Illinois correctional facilities, a single book can bring comfort, education, escape, and hope. For families and friends of incarcerated individuals, sending reading materials is one of the most impactful ways to offer support from the outside.
At Corrections Bookstore Publishing LLC, we help people across the country send books to inmates safely, quickly, and in full compliance with the rules set by the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC). This guide will walk you through everything you need to know — from understanding facility regulations to placing your order with confidence.
Why Books Matter Behind Bars
Books are more than just pages with words. In prison, they’re tools for survival and growth. Inmates use books to:
- Earn their GED or pursue other educational goals
- Connect with spirituality and mental wellness
- Learn about their legal rights and how to advocate for themselves
- Find motivation and prepare for life after release
- Pass time in a constructive, peaceful way
Reading is a productive escape — and in Illinois, it’s one of the few approved personal items inmates are allowed to receive from outside vendors.
Where We Ship: Illinois Correctional Institutions
Corrections Bookstore ships books to every state-operated facility within the Illinois Department of Corrections, including:
- Stateville Correctional Center – Crest Hill, IL
- Menard Correctional Center – Menard, IL
- Pontiac Correctional Center – Pontiac, IL
- Logan Correctional Center (Women’s Facility) – Lincoln, IL
- Big Muddy River Correctional Center – Ina, IL
- Hill Correctional Center – Galesburg, IL
- Western Illinois Correctional Center – Mt. Sterling, IL
- Centralia, Dixon, and Pinckneyville Correctional Centers
- And all county jails and transition centers that accept vendor shipments
No matter where your loved one is housed in Illinois, Corrections Bookstore is a trusted vendor that meets state requirements.
Step-by-Step: Sending Books to an Inmate in Illinois
The process may feel intimidating at first, but sending books to an inmate is straightforward — when you work with the right vendor and follow the proper steps.
Step 1: Collect the Inmate’s Information
Before you can place an order, make sure you have the following:
- The inmate’s full name
- Their IDOC number
- The exact name of the facility
- The correct mailing address
Double-check this information. Mailrooms will reject packages that contain incorrect or incomplete details.
Step 2: Choose a Verified Vendor (That’s Us!)
Illinois does not allow books to be shipped from individuals, local bookstores, or major third-party retailers like Amazon. Books must come directly from a recognized publisher or vendor.
Corrections Bookstore is a verified vendor for IDOC. We understand each facility’s specific mailroom requirements and only ship books that are permitted by the department.
Ordering from us ensures your shipment won’t be delayed or rejected due to noncompliance.
Step 3: Browse & Order from Our Catalog
Go to www.correctionsbookstore.com and explore our curated collection of inmate-approved titles, including:
- Self-help & motivational books
- Urban & African-American literature
- GED prep and job readiness guides
- Legal resources and inmates’ rights books
- Christian, Muslim, and other spiritual texts
- Recovery and reentry-focused material
- Fiction and non-fiction titles for entertainment
All books are brand new, softcover/paperback, and ship directly from our warehouse.
Step 4: Select Shipping and Place Your Order
Once you’ve picked your titles:
- Provide accurate inmate information at checkout
- Choose between USPS Media Mail (standard) or Priority Mail (faster delivery)
- You’ll receive tracking information so you can follow your order
- Orders are processed and shipped within 24–48 hours
We handle everything else — from packaging to compliance with Illinois DOC mailroom protocols.
What Illinois DOC Allows (and Doesn’t Allow)
The Illinois Department of Corrections has strict guidelines for inmate mail and book deliveries. Corrections Bookstore ensures every order meets these requirements, but here’s what you need to know:
What’s Allowed:
- New, softcover books only (no hardcovers)
- No more than 3–5 books per package, depending on facility rules
- Books must come directly from the vendor
- Religious, educational, legal, fiction, and self-help content
What’s Not Allowed:
- Hardcover books
- Used or damaged books
- Spiral-bound or stapled books
- Books with:
- Graphic violence or sexually explicit content
- Escape plans, gang symbols, or illegal content
- Coded language or any materials deemed a threat to security
If a book is rejected, the inmate will typically receive a notice, and we’ll work with you to replace the item or issue a credit.
Popular Books Among Illinois Inmates
Here are some of our best-sellers among incarcerated individuals in Illinois:
- The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene
- The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
- The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander
- Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
- GED study guides (Barron’s, Kaplan, Princeton Review)
- As a Man Thinketh by James Allen
- Urban novels by Sister Souljah, K’wan, and Wahida Clark
- The Bible, The Qur’an, and other spiritual texts
These titles are regularly ordered and approved for delivery to Illinois facilities.
Sample Mailing Format for Illinois Inmates
When placing your order, make sure your inmate’s address is written correctly:
Inmate Full Name, IDOC#
Facility Name
Facility Address
City, State ZIP Code
Example:
John Doe, IDOC#123456
Stateville Correctional Center
16830 IL-53
Crest Hill, IL 60403
Shipping Options
Corrections Bookstore offers two USPS-approved shipping options:
Media Mail
- Budget-friendly
- Delivery time: 5–12 business days
- Tracking included
- Used for books only
Priority Mail
- Faster delivery: 3–7 business days
- Tracking and insurance included
- Recommended for urgent orders
Contact Corrections Bookstore
Corrections Bookstore Publishing LLC
560 Sylvan Ave
Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632
Phone: 201.559.0592
Website: www.correctionsbookstore.com
Email: info@correctionsbookstore.com
Final Words: One Book Can Make a Big Difference
Whether you’re sending a GED prep guide to help someone study for their future, or a spiritual book to bring peace during tough times, your gift matters. In a place where hope can be hard to come by, books offer a path forward.
At Corrections Bookstore, we’re honored to help you stay connected and offer something meaningful to the people you care about. Place your order today at www.correctionsbookstore.com and help turn the page toward a brighter future.