Arkansas prison officials will bar inmates from receiving physical books, newspapers, and magazines directly starting February 1. The Board of Corrections approved the policy unanimously, citing the need to stop contraband like synthetic drugs from entering facilities. This follows existing bans on materials containing maps or the word 'escape.'

Critics argue the restriction severely limits access to reading materials, a key tool for rehabilitation. Prison libraries and Securus tablets are already limited, with outdated selections. The policy allows donations only to prison libraries, not to individual inmates, raising concerns about censorship and cost-cutting over rehabilitation.

The move highlights a broader tension in corrections between security and inmate rights. While officials claim 50,000 books are available on tablets, advocacy groups like the Prison Policy Initiative note these digital libraries often fail to meet demand. The ACLU calls the policy an unnecessary rights restriction amid an overcrowding crisis.