Books can be a lifeline for people who are incarcerated. They provide an escape from the harsh reality of prison life, offer opportunities for personal growth, and give inmates a chance to stay connected with the outside world through learning, entertainment, and reflection.
But sending books to someone in prison isn’t as simple as picking a title and mailing it off. There are strict rules and regulations that govern what books are allowed in prison and violating these rules can lead to the book being rejected or returned.
Whether you’re trying to send a thoughtful gift or build a personal library for a loved one inside, this guide provides a complete list of approved books for inmates and explains what’s allowed in federal and state prisons in 2025.
Why Are There Restrictions on Books in Prisons?
Before we dive into the types of books that are allowed, it’s important to understand why prisons restrict reading material.
Correctional facilities, both federal and state, implement restrictions to:
- Prevent contraband smuggling inside books
- Avoid content that promotes violence, escape tactics, or gang activity
- Ensure materials do not disrupt facility operations or rehabilitation efforts
- Protect the mental health and safety of inmates and staff
While these restrictions may feel limiting, there are still thousands of titles that make it onto the approved reading list for prisons, especially when sent correctly from a verified source.
General Guidelines: What Books Are Allowed in Federal and State Prisons?
Whether you're sending books to a federal inmate or someone in a state prison, most facilities follow a similar set of rules for what is acceptable. Here's what to keep in mind:
Books Allowed in Prison (General Rules):
- Must be brand-new
- Paperback format only (no hardcovers or spiral-bound materials)
- Shipped directly from a publisher or approved vendor (like SureShotBooks.com)
- Content must be appropriate (no nudity, excessive violence, or material that promotes criminal behavior)
These rules apply to both federal and state prison books, although individual institutions may add specific policies, such as quantity limits or banned subjects.
What Books Are Allowed in Federal Prisons?
The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) has consistent national policies regarding books, but enforcement may vary slightly by facility. Still, there are reliable guidelines you can follow.
List of Approved Books for Inmates in Federal Prisons Includes:
- Self-help and motivational books
- Religious or spiritual books (all faiths welcome)
- Educational books (GED prep, finance, history, language learning, etc.)
- Urban fiction (when free of gang-related or explicit content)
- Biographies, memoirs, and nonfiction
- Classic literature and fiction titles
Popular federal prison books that inmates often request:
- The Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Souljah
-
Think and Grow Rich: A Black Choice by Dennis Kimbro
- The Way of the Superior Man by David Deida
- You Owe You by Eric Thomas
- The Other Wes Moore by Wes Moore
What Books Are NOT Allowed in Federal Prisons:
- Any book with nudity or sexual imagery
- Content that promotes violence, racial hate, or criminal enterprises
- Books with instructions for hacking, escape tactics, or weapon creation
- Hardcover books, unless specifically authorized
Which Books Are Allowed in State Prisons in 2025?
State prisons often follow similar guidelines as federal facilities, but each state Department of Corrections (DOC) sets its own rules. For example, Texas DOC has stricter censorship policies than California or New York.
State Prison Approved Books Often Include:
- Religious texts like the Bible, Quran, or Torah
- Recovery-focused books (AA/NA/mental health)
- Inspirational and life-skills titles
- Urban fiction (without graphic sexual content or gang promotion)
- Biographies of public figures and historical leaders
- Approved educational materials (math, science, language arts)
Examples of State Prison Approved Books:
- Insane Consequences by DJ Jaffe (mental health awareness)
- Spiritual Warfare by Richard Ing
- The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health by Dr. Rheeda Walker
- Spiritual Empowerment by Albert Gaw, MD
- Finding God's Will in Spiritually Deceptive Times by Neil T. Anderson
Send Approved Books to Inmates: Guidelines for 2025
Here’s how to safely and successfully send books to inmates in 2025:
1. Choose a Trusted Vendor
Only send books from an approved source like SureShot Books Publishing LLC, which specializes in federal and state prison books. We follow all DOC and BOP requirements.
2. Confirm the Inmate’s Info
You'll need the inmate’s:
- Full name
- Inmate ID or BOP/DOC number
- Complete facility mailing address
- Housing unit (if known)
3. Follow the Format Rules
Only order paperback books. Hardcovers, used books, and self-mailed packages are typically rejected.
4. Limit Your Quantity
Many prisons allow up to 3–5 books per shipment. Exceeding this number may result in rejected mail.
5. Avoid Extras
Do NOT include notes, photos, bookmarks, or letters in the package. These must be sent separately through personal mail channels.
Benefits of Using SureShot Books
SureShot Books makes it simple to send approved books for inmates without worrying about rejections.
We offer:
- Only paperback, new books
- Direct-to-facility shipping
- Compliance with inmate book restrictions (federal and state)
- Catalog curated specifically for correctional facilities
- Customer service that understands DOC/BOP policies
Whether you're sending urban fiction, spiritual guides, or mental health resources, we’ll make sure your package meets all the rules and reaches your loved one safely.
Prison Library Approved Book List
Many prisons have in-house libraries, but options are limited. Inmates often can’t request specific books unless they’re sent from outside. That’s why families and friends play a key role in helping build a personal library.
Books on the approved reading list in prison libraries typically include:
- Religious and devotional texts
- GED and education prep books
- Career and vocational training material
- Recovery books (like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous)
- Classic literature (like To Kill a Mockingbird or Of Mice and Men)
- Self-help books that promote positive thinking and transformation
Final Thoughts: Help Inmates Grow with the Right Books
Sending books to an inmate is more than a gift, it's a tool for change. Whether you’re encouraging spiritual growth, mental health awareness, or personal development, the right book can make a lifelong impact.
By following approved guidelines and choosing the right titles, you can send books to prison with confidence in 2025.
Browse the full catalog of prison-approved books at SureShotBooks.com, your trusted source for federal and state prison books, delivered directly and compliantly.