When someone you love is incarcerated, staying connected becomes both a priority and a challenge. In Iowa correctional facilities, one of the few approved and meaningful ways to support an incarcerated individual is by sending books. Books offer more than just entertainment — they provide education, emotional support, spiritual growth, and a healthy distraction from the daily stress of prison life.
At Corrections Bookstore Publishing LLC, we help families, friends, and advocates send books to inmates in Iowa safely, quickly, and in full compliance with the Iowa Department of Corrections (IDOC). Whether you’re new to this or have sent books before, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the process.
Why Books Are So Valuable in Iowa Prisons
Books are among the few personal items inmates are allowed to receive, and they serve as a lifeline behind bars. Inmates use books to:
- Learn and grow — educational materials, GED prep, or vocational training
- Reconnect spiritually — access to religious texts for reflection and peace
- Heal emotionally — self-help and recovery titles
- Understand their rights — legal books and prison law resources
- Escape mentally — fiction, biographies, poetry, and creative literature
Books empower inmates by providing purpose, promoting rehabilitation, and helping them prepare for a better future.
Iowa Correctional Facilities We Ship To
Corrections Bookstore ships directly to all Iowa Department of Corrections facilities, including:
- Anamosa State Penitentiary – Anamosa, IA
- Iowa State Penitentiary – Fort Madison, IA
- Mount Pleasant Correctional Facility – Mt. Pleasant, IA
- North Central Correctional Facility – Rockwell City, IA
- Newton Correctional Facility – Newton, IA
- Clarinda Correctional Facility – Clarinda, IA
- Fort Dodge Correctional Facility – Fort Dodge, IA
- Iowa Correctional Institution for Women – Mitchellville, IA
We also ship to county jails, community-based corrections facilities, and federal inmates from Iowa housed out of state — as long as they accept publications from an authorized vendor.
Step-by-Step: How to Send Books to Inmates in Iowa
1. Start with the Right Information
To place an order, make sure you have the following:
- The inmate’s full legal name
- The inmate’s IDOC number (or state ID)
- The name of the correctional facility
- The facility’s mailing address
Incorrect or missing details can result in your order being rejected by the facility mailroom, so double-check before you order.
2. Only Use an Approved Vendor
Iowa correctional institutions require that books must be shipped directly from a publisher or approved vendor — not from individuals, used bookstores, or major online retailers like Amazon or eBay.
Corrections Bookstore is an authorized and trusted vendor. All of our shipments come directly from our publishing warehouse, pre-approved for inmate delivery across Iowa facilities.
3. Shop the Right Books at Corrections Bookstore
Visit www.correctionsbookstore.com and browse our large collection of inmate-approved books, including:
- Educational materials (GED, career development, language learning)
- Legal resources (prisoners’ rights, criminal law, case study guides)
- Religious books (Bible, Qur’an, devotionals, and more)
- Motivational and self-help books
- Urban fiction, Black history, poetry, and cultural titles
- Recovery and reentry preparation books
- Journals and blank notebooks (if allowed)
All books are new, softcover (paperback), and shipped directly from our facility.
4. Place Your Order & We Handle the Rest
After selecting your books:
- Enter the inmate’s information during checkout
- Select USPS Media Mail or Priority Mail for shipping
- Receive a tracking number and email confirmation
- Get updates as your package is processed and shipped
We handle everything — from compliant packaging to mailroom-approved delivery — so you don’t have to worry about the book being denied.
Iowa DOC Guidelines: What’s Allowed and What’s Not
Iowa DOC has clear guidelines when it comes to inmate mail and book delivery. Here’s what you need to know:
Approved Items:
- New paperback books only
- Books must be shipped directly from a vendor or publisher
- Most facilities allow 2–3 books per shipment
- Topics allowed: education, religion, law, recovery, fiction, and motivation
Not Allowed:
- Hardcover books (unless specifically approved)
- Used, second-hand, or hand-written books
- Spiral-bound, stapled, or books with inserts
- Publications containing:
- Nudity or sexually explicit material
- Violent, gang-related, or coded messaging
- Escape instructions, weapons, or drug-making content
- Any content deemed a threat to facility security
Corrections Bookstore ensures all titles shipped to Iowa meet DOC compliance, giving your order the best chance of approval.
Most Requested Books by Iowa Inmates
Here’s a list of popular titles among inmates in Iowa prisons:
- The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene
- The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
- Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
- As a Man Thinketh by James Allen
- The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander
- Soledad Brother by George Jackson
- GED Preparation Books by Kaplan or Barron’s
- The Bible, The Qur’an, and spiritual devotionals
- Urban fiction by authors like Sister Souljah, Wahida Clark, and K’wan
Need help choosing? Call 201.559.0592 and our team will help guide your order.
Sample Mailing Format for Iowa Inmate Orders
Use this format when submitting the inmate’s address:
Inmate Full Name, IDOC#
Facility Name
Facility Address
City, State ZIP Code
Example:
Michael Thompson, IDOC#123456
Anamosa State Penitentiary
406 N. High Street
Anamosa, IA 52205
Shipping Options
Corrections Bookstore offers two shipping methods:
USPS Media Mail
- Affordable and DOC-approved
- Delivery in 5–12 business days
- Tracking included
- For books only
USPS Priority Mail
- Faster delivery: 3–7 business days
- Ideal for holiday or urgent orders
- Includes tracking and insurance
Note: Delivery times may vary due to facility mailroom processing.
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 Thoughts: Books Build Bridges
Incarceration is tough — on both the inmate and their loved ones. But even small gestures can create meaningful connections. A book can inspire, comfort, educate, and uplift someone who needs it most.
At Corrections Bookstore Publishing LLC, we believe in the power of reading and the importance of staying connected. That’s why we’re committed to making book delivery to Iowa inmates simple, secure, and stress-free.
Place your order today at www.correctionsbookstore.com and help your loved one turn the page — literally and figuratively — toward a better chapter in life.