When a loved one is incarcerated, maintaining a connection can be difficult. Phone calls may be brief, and visits might be limited or unavailable. But one powerful, approved, and deeply meaningful way to show support is by sending books. Books are more than a pastime — they’re a lifeline that provides inmates with knowledge, inspiration, education, and hope.
At Corrections Bookstore Publishing LLC, we specialize in helping families and friends send inmate-approved books to correctional facilities across the United States — including every facility under the Minnesota Department of Corrections (MN DOC). In this complete guide, we’ll show you how to send books to inmates in Minnesota safely, securely, and in compliance with DOC regulations.
Why Sending Books to Minnesota Inmates Matters
Books hold the power to transform lives behind bars. They offer:
- 📖 Education – GED prep, job training, and academic growth
- 🧠 Mental wellness – Positive distraction and mental stimulation
- ✝️ Spiritual growth – Faith-based and religious development
- ⚖️ Legal knowledge – Learn about rights and legal processes
- 🔄 Reentry preparation – Life skills and motivational reading
In Minnesota, books are one of the few personal items that inmates are allowed to receive from the outside — making them an incredibly valuable gift.
Minnesota Correctional Facilities We Ship To
Corrections Bookstore ships directly to all state-run prisons under the Minnesota Department of Corrections, including:
- Minnesota Correctional Facility – Oak Park Heights
- Minnesota Correctional Facility – Stillwater
- Minnesota Correctional Facility – Rush City
- Minnesota Correctional Facility – Faribault
- Minnesota Correctional Facility – Moose Lake
- Minnesota Correctional Facility – Shakopee (Women’s Facility)
- Minnesota Correctional Facility – Lino Lakes
- Minnesota Correctional Facility – Red Wing (Juvenile Facility)
- Minnesota Correctional Facility – St. Cloud (Intake & Classification)
- Willow River & Togo Correctional Programs (Challenge Incarceration)
We also ship to county jails, juvenile centers, and reentry programs throughout the state that accept books from verified vendors.
How to Send Books to Inmates in Minnesota: Step-by-Step
✅ Step 1: Gather the Inmate’s Information
Before placing an order, be sure to have the following:
- Inmate’s full name
- Inmate’s MN DOC ID number
- The facility name and full mailing address
You can locate this info by using the Minnesota DOC Offender Locator on the official DOC website or by calling the facility directly.
✅ Step 2: Order From an Approved Vendor
Minnesota DOC requires all books to be sent directly from a publisher or authorized vendor. That means:
- ❌ No books sent by individuals or family members
- ❌ No used books
- ❌ No shipments from third-party sellers like Amazon or eBay
Corrections Bookstore is an authorized vendor that ships books directly from our warehouse and is fully compliant with MN DOC mailing policies.
✅ Step 3: Shop Inmate-Approved Books at Corrections Bookstore
Visit www.correctionsbookstore.com to explore our collection of:
- 📘 Self-help & motivational titles
- 📗 Religious books like the Bible, Qur’an, and devotionals
- 📕 Urban fiction & African-American literature
- 📙 Legal books and guides for prisoners’ rights
- 📚 GED prep and education resources
- 📓 Reentry & addiction recovery workbooks
- 📖 Fiction and non-fiction for leisure reading
All books are brand new, softcover (paperback), and pre-approved for prison delivery.
✅ Step 4: Place Your Order and Track Delivery
During checkout:
- Input the inmate’s name, DOC number, and facility address
- Select shipping method: USPS Media Mail (standard) or Priority Mail (faster)
- Receive a tracking number and email updates
- Orders are processed within 24–48 hours and shipped securely
We handle all compliance requirements — so your books get delivered without delays or rejections.
Minnesota DOC Rules for Sending Books
To make sure your books aren’t returned or denied, it’s important to follow Minnesota DOC’s guidelines on inmate publications.
✅ What’s Allowed:
- New, paperback books only
- Shipped directly from a verified vendor or publisher
- Educational, spiritual, motivational, or general reading content
- Most facilities allow 2–3 books per package
🚫 What’s Not Allowed:
- Hardcover books
- Used or damaged books
- Spiral-bound or stapled items
- Books that include:
- Sexual content or nudity
- Violent or gang-related content
- Escape instructions, weapons, or drug-making guides
- Hate speech or coded messages
Corrections Bookstore reviews each book for compliance before shipping — so your order is 100% facility-approved.
Most Popular Books Requested by Minnesota Inmates
Not sure what to send? These titles are frequently requested by inmates in Minnesota correctional facilities:
- The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene
- Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
- The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
- The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander
- As a Man Thinketh by James Allen
- GED test prep from Barron’s and Kaplan
- Soledad Brother by George Jackson
- The Bible, The Qur’an, and other spiritual literature
- Urban fiction by Sister Souljah, Wahida Clark, and K’wan
Need personalized suggestions? Call our support team at 201.559.0592 — we’re happy to help.
Sample Mailing Address Format (Minnesota)
Use the following format when entering inmate details at checkout:
Inmate Full Name, MN DOC ID#
Facility Name
Facility Mailing Address
City, State ZIP Code
Example:
Joshua Adams, DOC#876543
MCF-Stillwater
970 Pickett Street North
Bayport, MN 55003
Always double-check the address and facility policies before ordering.
Shipping Options
We offer two secure, trackable USPS shipping methods:
USPS Media Mail
- Cost-effective
- Delivery in 5–12 business days
- Tracking included
- Used for books only
USPS Priority Mail
- Delivery in 3–7 business days
- Includes tracking and insurance
- Ideal for urgent or holiday shipments
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: Your Support Makes a Difference
In Minnesota correctional facilities, books offer more than distraction — they offer direction. Whether you're sending a GED prep guide, a legal handbook, or a novel that makes someone feel seen, you're showing your support in a way that matters deeply.
At Corrections Bookstore, we make it easy to send books that meet state requirements and uplift the people you care about. You focus on your loved one. We’ll handle the rest.
Place your order today at www.correctionsbookstore.com and give the gift of reading, growth, and encouragement — one page at a time.