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(AP) -- JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- A federal judge has ordered the Missouri Department of Corrections not to block books or letters from being sent to prisoners without providing notice to the mailers and a chance to appeal.

The American Civil Liberties Union said Friday the preliminary injunction could have a positive effect not only for publishers but for anyone who sends a letter to prisoners.

The Department of Corrections declined to comment about the judge's order.

The lawsuit was brought by book publisher Bobbie Lane, who says the Crossroads Correctional Facility in Cameron seized several copies of a book that had been mailed to prisoners in November 2010.

U.S. District Judge Nanette Laughrey ordered the department to provide notice to senders whose communications are censored or seized, plus a chance to appeal.

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