Sending packages to R.K. in jail - how to get them through?

[Moorlock]

A book I ordered from Amazon to be sent to Russell Kanning at

Russell Kanning
c/o Strafford County House of Corrections
266 COUNTY FARM ROAD
DOVER, NEW HAMPSHIRE 03820

has been returned to sender today after being delivered yesterday (USPS tracking #9102009591871310301671).

Any idea why this would be so?  It was a softcover book and was shipped directly from Amazon.  It was a large-print edition of Thoreau's "Walden" (not likely to be considered contraband).

[Kat Kanning]

I think it may be rather arbitrary...the whim of whichever guard handled it.  Some will say you can send books.  The rulebook, which I just looked up, says "Under very limited circumstances and only with the pre-approval of the Superintendent, you may be permitted to have items mailed to you.  Any unauthorized packages will be returned to the sender without being opened."

The book that I sent got through. 

I'm sorry 

[Kat Kanning]

Oh, it also says something about 'return to sender' on things from bookstores.

[Dave Ridley]

moorlock good to have you here and thanks so much for sending this to russell even if it didn't get through.  You got through your goodwill to us!   Plz stick around, we need more doers (even if we already have a lot)!

[Caleb]

Their policy (I read their entire boring rulebook) is that if the book is sent to the INDIVIDUAL it will be returned to sender.  If you send it to the prison as a donation to their library, it will be added.  Then you can just let Russell know that it is there.

Also, I think that this rule is enforced differently by different guards as Kat pointed out.

[FTL_Ian]

Since you mentioned Amazon, the next time you shop there consider entering through  http://amazon.freetalklive.com !  If you do, Free Talk Live will get a percentage of anything you purchase.  As you may know, helping FTL helps promote NHFree.com activism nationwide!   

[aries]

Since you mentioned Amazon, the next time you shop there consider entering through  http://amazon.freetalklive.com !  If you do, Free Talk Live will get a percentage of anything you purchase.  As you may know, helping FTL helps promote NHFree.com activism nationwide!   

Ian, I have a bookmarked list of purchases I am planning to make from them for school... I will make the purchases through your link.

[FTL_Ian]

Awesome!  http://amazon.freetalklive.com - Still the same great Amazon, they just share their profits with FTL!

[Moorlock]

From: Sid M. Bird <sbird@co.strafford.nh.us>
Subject: RE: [BULK]  Policy on sending books to people jailed at Strafford

Mr. Gross:
We only accept books from publishers(only soft cover). Alternatively you
can send soft cover books to Vicki Heyl, Program Director Vicki Heyl and
donate them to the library with a note who you would like to get them.
She will notify that inmate when they are in the library to sign out.
Sid Bird
Strafford County Department of Corrections