How to Send Books, Magazines, or Newspapers to Someone at Berkeley County Detention

Books must ship directly from a publisher or bookstore - no exceptions. You can't send a book you already own. Soft-cover only; hardcovers will be rejected even if the title itself is allowed.

Magazines and newspapers must arrive as mail subscriptions shipped directly from a publisher or bookstore. When setting up a subscription, double-check that the shipping label matches what the jail expects - otherwise it'll get kicked back.

Prepare Book Checklist

• ✓ Order the book so it ships directly from a publisher or bookstore.
• ✓ Choose soft-cover only (no hardcovers).
• ✓ Use the incarcerated person’s full name exactly as they were booked.
• ✓ Add the booking number on the shipping label.
• ✓ If the order is being sent as a package directly to the detention center, address it to: Inmate Full Name Booking# / Berkeley County Detention Center / 300 California Ave. / Moncks Corner, SC 29461.
• ✓ If the order is being routed through Smart Communication, address it to: Inmate Full Name Booking# / c/o Smart Communication Berkeley County Detention Center / PO Box 2027 / Pinellas Park, FL 33780.

The most common mistake? Using the wrong address format. Packages shipped directly to the detention center go to the facility's street address in Moncks Corner - include the booking number on the label. If the shipment routes through Smart Communication, use the PO Box in Pinellas Park instead. Add both the booking number and "c/o Smart Communication Berkeley County Detention Center" so it gets to the right place.

Magazines and newspapers must come directly from a publisher or bookstore as a mail subscription. Use the incarcerated person's full booked name and include their booking number on the label. For the address: direct shipments go to 300 California Ave., while Smart Communication deliveries use the PO Box address with "c/o Smart Communication Berkeley County Detention Center" on the label.

1. Confirm it shipped direct - Books must come straight from a publisher or bookstore, and magazines/newspapers must be subscription shipments direct from a publisher or bookstore.
2. Re-check the book format - If it was a book order, make sure it was soft-cover.
3. Verify the addressing path - If it was sent as a package directly to the detention center, it should use the 300 California Ave. street address; Smart Communication deliveries should use the PO Box and include “c/o Smart Communication Berkeley County Detention Center.”
4. Make sure the name and booking number match - Use the incarcerated person’s full name exactly as booked, plus the booking number, on the label.

Need to check on a held or returned item? Call the Berkeley County Detention main line at 843-719-4546 (available 24 hours).

Quick Preorder Two Line

• ✓ Direct from publisher/bookstore only (and books must be soft-cover).
• ✓ Label it with the inmate’s exact booked name + booking number, and use the correct address format (facility street address vs. Smart Communication PO Box with “c/o Smart Communication Berkeley County Detention Center”).