When a loved one is incarcerated, finding ways to stay connected can be difficult. In Ohio, sending books to inmates is one of the few approved and meaningful ways you can show support — and it’s more powerful than you might think. Books offer education, entertainment, emotional comfort, and a sense of normalcy during incarceration.
At Corrections Bookstore Publishing LLC, we make it easy for families and friends to send approved, inmate-safe books to Ohio correctional facilities. Whether your loved one is working toward their GED, seeking spiritual guidance, or just looking for a good read to pass the time, we ensure your books get delivered safely and in compliance with Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) policies.
This step-by-step guide will walk you through exactly how to send books to inmates in Ohio — the right way.
Why Books Matter for Incarcerated Individuals
Books are more than a distraction from the daily routine of prison. They’re essential to mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Here’s how books help inmates:
- 📘 Improve literacy and educational attainment
- ✝️ Offer spiritual support and reflection
- 🧠 Reduce stress, anxiety, and isolation
- ⚖️ Educate inmates about their legal rights and reentry planning
- 🔄 Support recovery from addiction and trauma
A book is one of the few personal gifts that prisons consistently allow — and one of the most valuable.
Ohio Correctional Facilities We Ship To
Corrections Bookstore ships directly to all facilities under the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, including:
- Ohio State Penitentiary – Youngstown, OH
- Southern Ohio Correctional Facility – Lucasville, OH
- Mansfield Correctional Institution – Mansfield, OH
- Chillicothe Correctional Institution – Chillicothe, OH
- Pickaway Correctional Institution – Orient, OH
- Noble Correctional Institution – Caldwell, OH
- Lebanon Correctional Institution – Lebanon, OH
- Ohio Reformatory for Women – Marysville, OH
- Franklin Medical Center – Columbus, OH
- Richland Correctional Institution – Mansfield, OH
We also ship to county jails, halfway houses, and community-based correctional facilities that accept books from authorized vendors.
Step-by-Step: How to Send Books to Inmates in Ohio
✅ Step 1: Gather the Inmate's Information
Before placing an order, you’ll need:
- Inmate’s full legal name
- Inmate’s ODRC number (also called their inmate ID)
- The name of the correctional facility
- The facility’s full mailing address
You can find this information using the ODRC Offender Search Tool.
✅ Step 2: Use an Approved Vendor
Ohio prisons do not allow inmates to receive books directly from individuals. Books must be shipped directly from a verified publisher or approved vendor, such as Corrections Bookstore.
Packages from Amazon, eBay, used bookstores, or private sellers will most likely be rejected.
At Corrections Bookstore Publishing LLC, we are an approved vendor who ships directly from our warehouse, ensuring your loved one gets their books quickly, safely, and in compliance with ODRC policies.
✅ Step 3: Shop for Books That Are Allowed
At www.correctionsbookstore.com, we offer a curated collection of paperback-only, inmate-safe books, including:
- 📘 GED prep and educational materials
- 📗 Religious texts like The Bible, Qur’an, devotionals
- 📙 Self-help and recovery workbooks
- 📕 Legal guides and prisoner rights books
- 📓 Urban fiction and African-American literature
- 📚 Biographies, memoirs, fiction, and nonfiction
- 📖 Reentry, job readiness, and life skills resources
All our books are brand new, softcover, and carefully reviewed for ODRC content restrictions.
✅ Step 4: Place Your Order & Track the Delivery
Once you’ve selected your titles:
- Enter the inmate’s name, ODRC number, and facility address
- Choose between USPS Media Mail (standard) or Priority Mail (faster)
- Receive a confirmation email and tracking number
- Orders are processed within 24–48 hours
We ensure every order is packaged and labeled correctly to meet Ohio DOC requirements.
ODRC Rules: What’s Allowed and What’s Not
To ensure your book shipment is accepted, it’s important to understand the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction’s mailroom rules.
✅ What’s Allowed:
- New, softcover books only
- Must be shipped directly from an approved vendor or publisher
- Legal, spiritual, educational, and general reading material
- Typically, 2–3 books per shipment (check with individual facilities)
🚫 What’s Not Allowed:
- Hardcover books
- Used, damaged, or spiral-bound books
- Any publications that contain:
- Nudity or sexually explicit content
- Violence, gang symbols, or hate speech
- Drug manufacturing or weapon instructions
- Blueprints or escape plans
- Coded messages or content threatening institutional safety
At Corrections Bookstore, we check every book before shipment to make sure it complies with all ODRC rules.
Popular Books for Inmates in Ohio
Not sure what to send? Here are some of the most requested titles by Ohio inmates:
- The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene
- Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
- The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
- As a Man Thinketh by James Allen
- Soledad Brother by George Jackson
- The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander
- GED Prep by Kaplan, Barron’s, or Princeton Review
- The Bible, The Qur’an, and other devotionals
- Urban fiction by Sister Souljah, Wahida Clark, and K’wan
Need assistance choosing the right book? Give us a call at 201.559.0592 — we’re here to help.
Sample Mailing Format for Ohio Inmates
Use this format when entering the inmate’s mailing info:
Inmate Full Name, ODRC#
Facility Name
Facility Address
City, State ZIP Code
Example:
Daniel White, ODRC#A123456
Mansfield Correctional Institution
1150 N. Main Street
Mansfield, OH 44903
Make sure all details match official ODRC records to avoid any issues.
Shipping Options
Corrections Bookstore offers two shipping methods to meet your needs:
USPS Media Mail
- Budget-friendly
- Delivery in 5–12 business days
- Tracking included
- For books only
USPS Priority Mail
- Faster delivery in 3–7 business days
- Includes tracking and insurance
- Best for holiday or urgent 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: Send Knowledge. Send Hope.
When you send a book to an incarcerated loved one in Ohio, you're doing more than sending paper and ink — you’re offering encouragement, personal growth, and a pathway to a better future.
At Corrections Bookstore, we’re proud to make it easy and secure to send approved books to inmates in Ohio. From order to delivery, we ensure the process is stress-free and 100% compliant with ODRC regulations.
Visit www.correctionsbookstore.com today to start your order and help your loved one turn the page — toward hope, change, and healing.