IDOC Division Chief of Prisons Chad Page informed IDOC’s resident population April 30 and again on June 17, 2021 that IDOC requirements for book vendors were changing. This change has not been reflected on IDOC’s website, nor has the change made several years ago that since has allowed for hardcover books. As a result, books sent in from peer and family supporters, ministries, schools and organizations are being returned without notice to the intended resident recipients.
Please take notice of the following memo if you’re looking to support our residents with books.
[A personal note to Princeton Professor M.– No need to worry, I’ve arranged for your books. It was a wonderful surprise. Thank you very much!]
MESSAGE REPOST MEMO 4/30/21 FROM CHAD PAGE, CHIEF OF PRISIONS – APPROVED VENDORS FOR BOOKS
April 30, 2021, Offender Population
Chad Page, Chief of Prisons, Approved Vendors for Books.
Due to places such as Amazon Marketplace, Bargain Books Store, and Barnes and Noble allowing 3rd parties to have access to incoming books, we have seen a large increase in contraband.
Starting June 1, 2021, all books and magazines must come from one of the approved vendors listed below, or directly from the publisher.
This notice will allow you 30 days (April 30th through May 31st) to notify your family of these changes. After May 31st, all incoming books from outside these vendors, and books that arrive without a receipt or invoice, will be returned to sender in accordance with SOP 402.02.01.001 Mail Handling in Correctional Facilities, Section 18.
Edward R Hamilton
Discover Books [Update 7/31/2024 – Discover Books appears to be out of business]
More than Words
Prison Book Program
Books to Prisoners
Vendors added on 7/15/2022:
Books a Million
Books N Things
Sure Shot Books
Vendors removed on 7/15/2022:
ThriftBooks
As of 2024, hardback books are no longer allowed.
If you have books sent in through a religious ministry, the ministry must be listed as the publisher on the book.
Educational textbooks — facility Education departments will assist residents with the purchasing of necessary textbooks for course work.
Hi. I am getting down the whole how to send a book on. Now I’m curious do you have a vendor to send a care package in. Shampoo snacks etc. thank you
Hi Patti,
For Idaho Department of Correction facilities, Access SecurePak at http://www.accesscatalog.com is the sole provider for care packages (http://www.idoc.idaho.gov/content/prisons/resident-services/commissary). Of course, the answer for non-IDOC facilities will vary.
Hey I want to send someone some books and i went through all of the websites and the books are not on them only on amazon. Am I able to order books through amazon?
Hi Jessica,
I believe it highly unlikely that anything arriving through Amazon will be processed. But books shipped directly from the publisher are still allowed. If the book is published through Amazon, you may have the recipient approach their deputy warden to ask if arrangements can be made, though I would suggest the odds of them agreeing to make arrangements are low.
— Patrick
They won’t even deliver a birthday card to my son I have sent cards for his birthday Christmas etc they will not even give him the cards as far as sending clothes I can’t even find a place to send clothes access secure pack the only thing I can send is a luffa sponge we should be able to send things from Amazon such as clothing etc but they just make it hard on the inmate