How to Send Books to Inmates in Maine Correctional Facilities: A Complete Guide

For many incarcerated individuals, books are a lifeline — a source of knowledge, comfort, spiritual strength, and a crucial connection to the outside world. If you have a loved one currently serving time in Maine, one of the most meaningful ways to support them is by sending books that can educate, uplift, and inspire.

At Corrections Bookstore Publishing LLC, we make it easy for families and friends to send approved, inmate-safe books to correctional facilities across the state of Maine. This guide walks you through everything you need to know — from how to send books to what’s allowed, and how to avoid common mistakes that lead to rejected packages.

Why Books Matter for Inmates in Maine

Incarceration in Maine — or anywhere — can lead to loneliness, boredom, and a loss of direction. But books can help inmates:

  • Stay mentally engaged and emotionally grounded
  • Pursue educational goals (such as earning a GED or learning a new skill)
  • Reconnect with faith and spirituality
  • Learn about their legal rights and self-advocacy
  • Begin preparing for reentry and rehabilitation

Reading materials provide inmates with productive ways to pass time and turn that time into something positive.

Facilities We Ship To in Maine

Corrections Bookstore ships directly to all Maine Department of Corrections (MDOC) facilities, including:

  • Maine State Prison – Warren, ME
  • Bolduc Correctional Facility – Warren, ME
  • Mountain View Correctional Facility – Charleston, ME
  • Southern Maine Women’s Reentry Center – Windham, ME
  • Maine Correctional Center (MCC) – Windham, ME
  • Downeast Correctional Facility – Machiasport, ME (when operational)

We also ship to county jails and halfway houses throughout Maine, provided they accept publications from authorized vendors.

Step-by-Step: How to Send Books to Inmates in Maine

Step 1: Gather the Inmate's Information

Before placing an order, you’ll need:

  • The inmate’s full name
  • The inmate’s MDOC number (if known)
  • The facility name and complete mailing address

You can often find this information through the Maine Department of Corrections offender search or by calling the facility.

Step 2: Order from an Approved Vendor

Maine DOC does not accept books shipped by individuals or third-party sellers. All books must come directly from an authorized publisher or vendor — like Corrections Bookstore.

Corrections Bookstore is a trusted name nationwide. We ship directly from our publishing warehouse, which ensures our packages are compliant with MDOC regulations and accepted by the mailroom.

Step 3: Choose Books That Are Allowed in Maine Prisons

Visit www.correctionsbookstore.com and shop our curated collection of inmate-approved titles. We specialize in:

  • GED Prep & Educational Resources
  • Self-Help & Personal Development
  • Spiritual & Religious Books
  • Urban Fiction & Cultural Literature
  • Legal Resources & Inmate Rights
  • Reentry & Recovery Workbooks
  • Fiction & Nonfiction to Pass the Time

All of our books are new, paperback only, and selected for compliance with facility rules.

Step 4: Place Your Order and Track It

At checkout:

  • Provide the inmate’s full name and MDOC number
  • Enter the correct facility mailing address
  • Choose between USPS Media Mail and USPS Priority Mail
  • Receive a tracking number and shipping updates via email

We process and ship orders within 24–48 hours, and our team ensures every package meets Maine DOC standards.

Maine DOC Rules for Sending Books to Inmates

To avoid having your package rejected or returned, it’s important to follow MDOC guidelines.

What’s Allowed:

  • New, softcover books only
  • Shipped directly from a recognized vendor or publisher
  • Content must be educational, religious, motivational, or entertaining
  • Up to 2–3 books per shipment (varies by facility)

🚫 Not Allowed:

  • Hardcover books
  • Used, marked-up, or damaged books
  • Spiral-bound, stapled, or loose-leaf books
  • Publications with:
    • Nudity or sexually explicit content
    • Instructions on escape, weapons, or drug manufacturing
    • Gang symbols, hate speech, or racially charged content
    • Coded messages or security threats

Corrections Bookstore ensures all materials are reviewed before shipping, giving your loved one the best chance of receiving their books without delay.

Popular Book Categories for Maine Inmates

Here are some of the most frequently requested types of books for inmates in Maine correctional facilities:

  • “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
  • GED Prep Books by Barron’s or Kaplan
  • The Bible, The Qur’an, and other spiritual texts
  • Urban fiction by Sister Souljah, K’wan, and Wahida Clark
  • Reentry planning guides and addiction recovery workbooks

Want help picking the right book? Call 201.559.0592 and our team will assist you with title suggestions or facility-specific advice.

Sample Mailing Address Format (Maine)

When placing your order, use this format for the inmate’s delivery address:

Inmate Full Name, MDOC# 

Facility Name 

Facility Mailing Address 

City, State ZIP Code

Example:

John Smith, MDOC#112233 

Maine State Prison 

807 Cushing Road 

Warren, ME 04864

Shipping Options

We offer two safe and trackable shipping methods:

USPS Media Mail

  • Economical
  • Delivery in 5–12 business days
  • Tracking included
  • Used for book-only shipments

USPS Priority Mail

  • Faster delivery: 3–7 business days
  • Includes insurance and tracking
  • Ideal for holiday and urgent deliveries

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: Give the Gift of Reading

Incarceration can feel like a world away — but a single book can bridge that distance. It’s more than a gift; it’s an opportunity. A way to say “I’m thinking of you,” “I believe in you,” and “you are not forgotten.”

At Corrections Bookstore, we’ve helped thousands of families across the country send books to their loved ones behind bars. We take pride in making the process secure, simple, and compliant with all facility rules — including in the state of Maine.

Start your order today at www.correctionsbookstore.com and support someone you care about with the gift of knowledge, hope, and change — one book at a time.