Information for Correctional Facilities

What Services Does PLP Provide?

The Prison Library Project sends books directly to incarcerated individuals in prisons in response to written requests.

 

PLP also supports correctional facilities by sending bulk shipments of books for institutional use, including:

 

• Institutional libraries

• Educational programs

• Reentry or approved shared reading collections

 

Institutional shipments are arranged in coordination with the facility and are not guaranteed.  To help reduce delays and rejected shipments, the PLP asks that facilities include any known book restrictions, housing unit information, or special handling requirements when submitting requests whenever possible. This information helps ensure materials are selected and prepared in accordance with institutional policies.

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Official Mailing Address

Correctional facilities and mailroom staff should contact the PLP first by email at info@claremontforum.org regarding institutional book requests, policy questions, or mailing guidance.

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Once confirmed, the mailing address below may be shared with incarcerated individuals so they can submit individual book requests by mail.

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​Prison Library Project 
915 C Postmark Box 128

Claremont, CA 91711
 

Does PLP Send Books Directly to Individuals?

Yes. The Prison Library Project (PLP) sends books directly to incarcerated individuals in prisons in response to individual written requests.

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The PLP is a program of The Claremont Forum and fulfills requests through the Claremont Forum Bookshop. Written requests are received and processed by trained volunteers working inside the Bookshop, where books are selected, prepared, and mailed.

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All shipments are handled through this established bookshop setting and are sent in accordance with each facility’s current book acceptance rules.

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Does PLP Send Books to Jails?

The PLP does not send books directly to individuals housed in jails.

 

However, the PLP can send books to jails for institutional libraries or approved programs when the request comes directly from the facility.

 

What Types of Books Can the PLP Provide?

Subject to availability and facility rules, the PLP may provide:

 

• Fiction and nonfiction

• Educational and vocational materials

• Dictionaries and reference books

• Mental health, wellness, and life-skills resources

 

Facilities requesting institutional shipments are encouraged to specify preferred genres or subject areas.

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How to Request Books for Institutional Use

Facilities interested in receiving books for a library or program should contact the PLP by email.

 

Requests should include:

 

• Facility name and location

• Primary contact name and role

• Intended use (library, education, reentry, etc.)

• Preferred genres or subject areas

• Current book acceptance rules, including format and quantity limits

 

Email: info@claremontforum.org

 

The PLP will review the request and follow up regarding feasibility and next steps.

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Mailing, Safety, and Compliance Standards

Books sent by the PLP are reviewed through a two-step inspection process prior to mailing.

First, books are inspected before they are prepared for shipment to ensure they:
   •    Are free of writing or markings
   •    Are in good physical condition
   •    Do not contain staples or other prohibited materials
   •    Conform to the mailing guidelines provided by the individual institution

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After books are packaged, shipments are reviewed again prior to mailing to confirm that addressing, labeling, and contents align with facility requirements. All shipments are sent via the United States Postal Service and are subject to USPS handling and delivery procedures.

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The PLP relies on correctional facilities to provide accurate, current book acceptance rules so shipments can be prepared and mailed accordingly.

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If a shipment is rejected due to policy changes or noncompliance, the PLP requests that the package be marked Return to Sender with the reason noted so future shipments can be adjusted.

 

Transfers and Releases

If a book shipment arrives for an individual who has been released, the PLP encourages facilities to add the books to their institutional library when permitted.

If an individual has been transferred, facilities may return the package so the PLP can resend materials to the correct location, subject to updated facility rules.
 

Contact

For institutional inquiries, book requests, or policy clarification:

 

Email: info@claremontforum.org