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

When a loved one is incarcerated, one of the most meaningful ways to show support and stay connected is by sending them books. Whether it’s a spiritual guide, educational material, or a compelling story to pass the time, books have the power to bring comfort, inspiration, and hope behind prison walls.

For those incarcerated in Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) facilities, sending books is allowed — but it must be done the right way. At Corrections Bookstore Publishing LLC, we help families and friends navigate the process and ensure that their books are shipped securely and in full compliance with Michigan DOC policies.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to send books to inmates in Michigan state prisons.

Why Sending Books to Michigan Inmates Matters

Books in prison aren’t just for entertainment — they’re essential tools for rehabilitation and personal growth. When you send an inmate a book, you’re providing them with:

  • Mental stimulation and a healthy escape from prison life
  • Opportunities for education and GED/vocational prep
  • Spiritual healing and emotional support
  • Legal guidance to understand their rights
  • A powerful way to stay connected with the outside world

Even in isolation, a single book can offer peace, structure, and a sense of purpose.

Michigan Correctional Facilities We Ship To

Corrections Bookstore ships books to all facilities under the Michigan Department of Corrections, including:

  • Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility – Ionia, MI
  • Carson City Correctional Facility – Carson City, MI
  • G. Robert Cotton Correctional Facility – Jackson, MI
  • Kinross Correctional Facility – Kincheloe, MI
  • Macomb Correctional Facility – New Haven, MI
  • Marquette Branch Prison – Marquette, MI
  • Michigan Reformatory – Ionia, MI
  • Thumb Correctional Facility – Lapeer, MI
  • Women's Huron Valley Correctional Facility – Ypsilanti, MI
  • Charles Egeler Reception and Guidance Center – Jackson, MI

We also ship to county jails, youth detention centers, and halfway houses that allow books from verified vendors.

Step-by-Step: How to Send Books to Michigan Inmates

Step 1: Gather the Required Information

Before placing your order, be sure you have:

  • The inmate’s full name
  • Their MDOC ID number
  • The exact name of the correctional facility
  • The complete mailing address

Double-check this info using the Michigan Inmate Lookup Tool to ensure your package is processed correctly by the facility’s mailroom.

Step 2: Order from an Authorized Vendor

Michigan DOC requires books to be shipped directly from an approved vendor or publisher. Any packages sent by individuals, families, or third-party retailers (like Amazon or eBay) will likely be rejected.

Corrections Bookstore is a recognized vendor for correctional facilities across the United States, including Michigan. We ship directly from our warehouse in compliance with MDOC rules.

Step 3: Choose Inmate-Safe Books

Visit www.correctionsbookstore.com to browse our catalog of paperback-only, inmate-approved books, including:

  • 📘 GED Prep & Academic Resources
  • 📙 Self-Help & Motivational Books
  • 📗 Religious & Spiritual Literature
  • 📕 Urban Fiction & African-American Literature
  • 📓 Legal Guides & Inmate Rights Resources
  • 📚 Reentry Planning, Addiction Recovery & Job Readiness Books
  • 📖 General Fiction, Nonfiction & Memoirs

All books are new, softcover, and reviewed for MDOC content policies before shipment.

Step 4: Place Your Order & Track It

Once you’ve selected your titles:

  • Enter the inmate’s details and facility address at checkout
  • Choose between USPS Media Mail or Priority Mail
  • Receive a tracking number and confirmation email
  • Orders ship within 24–48 hours from our facility
  • Packages are formatted and labeled per Michigan DOC standards

We handle all compliance and packaging requirements so your shipment is accepted and delivered.

Michigan DOC Rules for Sending Books to Inmates

The Michigan Department of Corrections has strict policies on what inmates can and cannot receive.

Allowed:

  • New, paperback books only
  • Books shipped directly from a publisher/vendor
  • Up to 2–3 books per shipment (check facility guidelines)
  • Legal, spiritual, self-help, educational, and fiction/nonfiction materials

🚫 Not Allowed:

  • Hardcover books
  • Used or marked books
  • Spiral-bound or loose-leaf publications
  • Any books containing:
    • Nudity or sexually explicit content
    • Violent or gang-related imagery
    • Escape plans or facility maps
    • Instructions for weapons or drugs
    • Coded language or threats to facility security

Corrections Bookstore pre-screens every title and ships only materials that meet these regulations.

Books Sent to Michigan Inmates

Here are some top-selling and frequently requested books for Michigan state prisoners:

  • The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene
  • The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
  • As a Man Thinketh by James Allen
  • The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander
  • Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
  • Soledad Brother by George Jackson
  • GED Test Prep by Barron’s or Kaplan
  • The Bible, The Qur’an, and Devotionals
  • Urban fiction by Sister Souljah, Wahida Clark, and K’wan

Not sure what your loved one needs? Call 201.559.0592 and we’ll help you pick the perfect title.

Mailing Address Format (Michigan)

Be sure to format the address like this when placing your order:

pgsql

Copy

Inmate Full Name, MDOC# 

Facility Name 

Facility Mailing Address 

City, State ZIP Code

Example:

nginx

Copy

Michael Johnson, MDOC#123456 

G. Robert Cotton Correctional Facility 

3500 N. Elm Road 

Jackson, MI 49201

Shipping Options

Corrections Bookstore offers two USPS-compliant delivery options:

USPS Media Mail

  • Cost-effective
  • Delivery in 5–12 business days
  • Tracking included
  • Ideal for regular book shipments

USPS Priority Mail

  • Delivery in 3–7 business days
  • Includes insurance and tracking
  • Best for urgent or holiday 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: Send Books. Send Hope.

When someone is incarcerated, a book can be a lifeline — a reminder that they’re not alone, that their future still matters, and that change is possible. Books educate, empower, and inspire. They transform time into opportunity.

At Corrections Bookstore, we make it simple and secure to send books to Michigan inmates. Our team handles the rules, restrictions, and logistics so you can focus on what matters most: supporting the people you care about.

Place your order today at www.correctionsbookstore.com and give your loved one the gift of knowledge, growth, and connection.