Ever wondered about the books, literature and stamps restrictions are in Federal Prisons.  All the information is available in the Federal Detention Center Inmate Handbook 2010“

Specificially, it says,

‘Authorized mail includes letters, magazines and paperback books.  An inmate may receive hardcover publications, newspapers, paperback books and magazines only from the publisher, book club or bookstore.  The Warden may have all incoming publications inspected for contraband.  The Warden may designate staff to review and where appropriate to approve all incoming publications in accordance with Program Statement 5266.10.   You may not retain more than 5 publications in your possession at any one time.  Inmates require written authorization prior to mailing or receiving packages.   Specific requests may be submitted to your Unit Team.  Unauthorized mail includes musical greeting cards, Polaroid photos, nude personal photos, plant material, non-inspectible items, etc.  All unauthorized mail will be returned to the sender along with a rejection form explaining why the mail was rejected.  Mail will normally be distributed after the 4:00 PM count…

You may subscribe to publications if they are sent directly from the publisher and are pre-paid….Some types of publications that could jeopardize the security and the orderly running of the institution are strictly prohibited and will be returned to the publisher.  Some examples are publications that explain weapons or explosive manufacturing and/or martial arts training materials and pornography, etc….

No more than 5 books and/or magazines (excluding legal books and school
books) are authorized.  No more than a total of 4 books or magazines per cell will be allowed on either the window ledge or wall ledge.  They must be neatly stacked.  Other reading materials will be kept in the lockers.  Unless in use, the cell table will be clear of items.’

‘Leisure Library

The Education Department maintains a mobile leisure book cart on all housing
units to include Special Housing Unit(SHU). The carts are rotated bi-weekly. The Education Department provides a wide variety of magazines and newspapers (English and Spanish) that are distributed to the units. Hard back books will be available to cadre inmates only. Reference materials and a Career Resource Center (CRC) is maintained in the Education Department and can be accessed by submitting an Inmate Request to Staff (cop-out). The CRC is for use by cadre inmates only.’

‘Law Library

The Law Library is contained in an electronic law database accessible via
computer workstations in each unit.  Most legal materials can be located by performing a search on the Electronic Law Library (ELL) database.  Inmates requiring training on the use of the ELL should send a copout to the Education Technician who will schedule a time to view the ELL Training DVD.  Some materials are maintained in hard copy format in the Law Library in Education. These materials include the Criminal Law Reporter, Program Statements, Institutional Supplements and other materials to aid with your legal research and document preparation.  The library is only open for inmates to prepare legal documents and to utilize those materials not available on the ELL database.  Law Library materials are not to be removed from the Law Library. Unauthorized possession of such material is a prohibited act and may result in disciplinary action.  A basic library is also maintained in the Special Housing Unit (SHU).  All inmates must adhere to the rules and procedures of the library.  Designated inmates must submit an Inmate Request to Staff Member or sign up on the Law Library sign-up sheet located in the housing units to be placed on the call-out for the Law Library.  Once placed on call-out, you are required to remain in the Education Department until the end of the assigned period.’

Thinking of sending stamps? 

‘If you are an indigent pre-trial or holdover inmate, you may be eligible to receive three postage stamps per week.  If you are a sentenced inmate without funds, you are eligible to receive five postage stamps per month.  Stamps are obtained through the unit staff with the Unit Manager’s approval.  You will be able to purchase stamps from the Commissary on your purchase day.  Inmates will not be able to possess more than 1 book of postage stamps or the equivalent of 20 stamps.  If you require more postage, see unit team for approval.  You may not receive stamps, or anything else of value, in the mail. Any unauthorized items will be returned to the sender.  Correspondence will not be restricted as long as you do not abuse the privilege. Special mail will be sealed and given to the unit officer by the inmate mailing the legal correspondence, between the hours of 5:00 PM and 9:30 PM daily.  The inmate will present his/her identification card to the staff member.  The staff member will ensure that the inmate has the proper return address and name on the legal correspondence.
You will be solely responsible for the contents of any correspondence you place in the mailbox located on the wall in your housing unit. Incoming mail will be opened and inspected for contraband prior to delivery to the unit. FDC Seatac does not accept funds from outside the institution thru the mail. Any funds received thru the mail will be returned to the sender with specific directions on how to send the funds to the national lockbox.  Therefore, no U.S. currency, checks or money orders of any kind will be accepted…Inmates will not be able to possess more than 1 book of postage stamps or the equivalent of 20 stamps.  If you require more postage, see unit team for approval.’

Now you know!