How to Find the Right Books for Your Loved One in New Jersey Prisons

Jessica Glass
How to Find the Right Books for Your Loved One in New Jersey Prisons

Choosing the Perfect Book for Inmates in New Jersey Correctional Facilities

Sending books to a loved one in a New Jersey prison is one of the most thoughtful and impactful ways to support their rehabilitation, personal growth, and emotional well-being. But with so many types of books available and the unique rules for what’s allowed in correctional facilities, how do you know which book to send?

At NJ Corrections Bookstore, we specialize in helping families and friends choose approved books that meet New Jersey Department of Corrections (NJDOC) guidelines. This comprehensive guide will help you find the right book for your loved one, ensuring that it’s something they’ll enjoy, learn from, and benefit from, without any hassle or delays.

Why Sending the Right Book Matters

Books provide a significant opportunity for inmates to escape mentally, learn new skills, and reflect on their lives. For many incarcerated individuals, a good book is more than just entertainment, it’s a lifeline that can help them:

  • Stay mentally engaged: Reading stimulates the mind, keeping inmates sharp and involved in positive activities.

  • Promote personal growth: Books on self-help, mental health, and spiritual growth can be life-changing.

  • Build education and skills: Inmates preparing for reentry can improve their literacy, vocational, and social skills.

  • Provide emotional support: Spiritual and motivational books offer comfort and hope during tough times.

Choosing the right book ensures that your loved one receives the support they need to thrive while incarcerated.

Step 1: Understand New Jersey Correctional Facility Guidelines

Before you select a book, it’s important to understand the rules for sending books to New Jersey prisons. Each facility has its own policies, but the general rules for approved books are as follows:

  • Softcover books only: Most correctional facilities do not accept hardcover books, except in specific cases.

  • Books must be new: Used books, donated books, and books with markings or damage are not allowed.

  • Books from an approved vendor: Books must be shipped directly from an approved vendor (like NJ Corrections Bookstore) or the publisher. Personal shipments from home are not accepted.

  • No explicit content: Books that contain graphic violence, sexual content, or gang-related themes will be rejected.

  • No spiral-bound books: Books with spiral binding, glued inserts, or torn pages are not allowed.

By ordering through NJ Corrections Bookstore, you can rest assured that every book meets NJDOC requirements and is ready for delivery.

Step 2: Identify Your Loved One’s Interests

To find the right book, it’s important to consider what your loved one would enjoy and find meaningful. Here are some common book categories that inmates often enjoy or benefit from:

1. Self-Help & Personal Development Books

Self-help books are one of the most popular categories among incarcerated individuals. These books often cover topics like:

  • Mental health and well-being: Stress management, anxiety, depression

  • Motivation: Overcoming challenges, setting goals, personal success

  • Positive thinking: Building resilience, self-esteem, and a growth mindset

Popular examples include:

These books are perfect for helping your loved one stay positive, motivated, and focused on personal growth during their time in prison.

2. Educational & Skill-Building Books

Inmates who want to improve their education or prepare for life after prison often look for books that teach useful skills or offer new knowledge. You can send books that help them with:

  • Vocational training: How-to guides on everything from carpentry to digital skills

  • GED preparation: Educational books that help inmates prepare for their GED exam

  • Financial literacy: Teaching how to manage money, build wealth, and budget effectively

Popular titles include:

These books can help inmates improve their qualifications, build employable skills, and set themselves up for success upon release.

3. Religious & Spiritual Books

Religion and spirituality provide many inmates with comfort, strength, and guidance during their incarceration. Spiritual books can help inmates develop a sense of inner peace and offer them moral and ethical guidance.

Popular religious books include:

Spiritual books can also include meditation guides, prayer books, and self-improvement titles with a focus on mindfulness and personal growth.

4. Fiction & Non-Fiction Books

While self-help and educational books are essential, fiction books can provide valuable mental escape and relaxation. Fiction allows inmates to explore new worlds, gain empathy, and experience life from different perspectives.

Fiction genres often requested by inmates include:

  • Mystery and crime novels: Engaging and suspenseful stories that hold their attention

  • Classics and contemporary literature: Books that explore social issues, personal struggle, and human relationships

  • Biographies: Stories about influential people’s lives

Popular titles include:

These books help inmates relax, reflect, and even learn valuable life lessons from fictional characters and real-life experiences.

Step 3: Consider the Length and Type of Book

The length and complexity of a book are important considerations when selecting a title for your loved one. Some inmates may prefer shorter, easier-to-read books, while others may appreciate more challenging, long-form content. If they are new to reading or prefer quick escapes, you might want to choose short stories, novellas, or novels with engaging plots. For more advanced readers, consider in-depth works or educational books on subjects they are interested in.

Also, consider the size of the book, some correctional facilities may limit the number of books per package. For easy delivery, limit the order to two or three books.

Step 4: Order from an Approved Vendor

As mentioned earlier, books must be ordered through an approved vendor to be accepted by New Jersey correctional facilities. This ensures that the books are properly packaged, labeled, and shipped according to the facility’s specific guidelines.

At NJ Corrections Bookstore, we offer:

  • A wide selection of self-help, educational, and spiritual books

  • A secure and compliant ordering process

  • Fast shipping via USPS to ensure timely delivery

  • Customer support to help with any issues or questions

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right book for your loved one in a New Jersey prison is a meaningful way to show your support. Whether you select a self-help book to boost their motivation, an educational guide to help them build skills, or a fiction book to provide mental escape, books offer countless benefits.

At NJ Corrections Bookstore, we make the process simple and compliant with New Jersey correctional facility rules, ensuring your loved one gets the books they need. Start browsing our catalog today and send the gift of knowledge, hope, and inspiration!

Contact NJ Corrections Bookstore

Have questions or need help placing an order? Our team is here to assist you.

We’re committed to making the process of sending books to inmates in New Jersey simple, secure, and stress-free.