You can also get books from friends and family. All they have to do is drop them off at the visitor's desk. They should write your name on the first page of the book. The Chaplain will review each book to ensure that it doesn't cover forbidden topics -- like breaking out of jail. This will take a day or two.
Be specific when you ask a friend to drop off a book or tow. Either give the specific title, or make it very clear what genre you seek. Page-turners like detective tales may appeal more than, say, self-help books while you're in jail.
Speaking of self-help, the ICJ does nothing to give to basic texts, such as the Bible, the Koran, the Talmud, or the Big Book from Alcoholics Anonymous. If nothing else, the Commissary should sell these books. Better yet, the ICJ should have copies available for loan. I filled out multiple kites trying to get someone to loan me a Big Book. They went unanswered.
The rules say an inmate may only possess three books at a time, but I saw no sign that this rule is enforced. In theory you're supposed to mail extra books home or donate them to the library.
It's very handy if someone in your dorm subscribes to a newspaper. The Lansing State Journal, as pathetic as it may be, provides useful information. You can read how a given judge is sentencing for cases similar to yours, giving you an idea of your own fate. Inmates also like to read about prominent cases of fellow inmates. And the crossword is a nice way to while away time.
If you really want to confuse your fellow inmates, then subscribe to The New York Times. Your fellows won't know what the hell it is; they'll think you're from New York. It's got a lot to read, so it offers another time sink.
You can buy magazines at the Commissary. The selection is slim. Somehow a copy of Glamour magazine made its way to our dorm. The guys weren't interested in most of the articles but the profile of Penelope Cruz was popular.
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