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How to contact an inmate at Columbia County Prison
This comprehensive guide will walk you through how to connect with an inmate at Columbia County Prison. Follow the steps below to find an inmate and send letters and photos:
- Search for the inmate using our search tool below
- Create your account or log in to Penmate
- Write your message (up to 6,000 characters)
- Send instantly - inmates receive printed copies daily
Find an Inmate
Search for an inmate to start communicating today
Tip: You can search by first name, last name, or inmate ID number
To contact a person at Columbia County Prison start by searching for the person on the official facility website. Perform a search by following these steps:
- Step 1: Enter their first name and last name into the search form and click "Search"
- Step 2: Locate their inmate record
- Step 3: Write down their Inmate ID and any housing information provided
Important! Be sure to enter the person's full name. Nicknames should not be used.
How to Send Messages to Inmates

You can use your phone or computer to send emails, letters, and photos to an inmate. Messages are sent electronically to inmate tablets or kiosks at the facility. If you would like to send a message, start by searching for an inmate at Columbia County Prison.
Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Columbia County Prison is to send photos and postcards. It only takes a few minutes to send photos from your phone and it makes a huge difference. You can also mail postcards with words of support and inspiration, or design your own postcard for special moments like birthdays and holidays.
Important! Be sure not to send any explicit photos or they may not be approved by the facility. You can also use a photo printing app like Penmate to make sure your photos are printed at the correct size (4x6 or 3x5) and are mailed according to the rules and regulations of Columbia County Prison.
Frequently asked questions about Columbia County Prison
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How long does it take to deliver a message?
If you're sending an email message your letter is usually delivered within 24-48 hours. For messages sent via mail you should expect delivery within 3-7 days. All messages will need be approved by Columbia County Prison.
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How much does it cost to send a message to Columbia County Prison?
You can send a message free using your phone or mail a message via USPS for the price of a $0.60 stamp and envelope. You can also purchase credits or e-stamps from services starting at $1.99.
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What services can I use to contact an inmate at Columbia County Prison?
Penmate
You can use Penmate to send letters and photos to an inmate from your phone. It's an easy way to stay in touch during your loved one's incarceration. Use the inmate locator to find an inmate's location and contact information, then you can send messages within a few minutes.
Securus messaging
Securus may be another option for communicating with an inmate at Columbia County Prison. You can create a friends and family account and purchase credits to send messages. All messages will be reviewed and must be approved by the facility.
JPay
Some county jails and state prisons may support sending messages with JPay. You must register an account with the system, find your loved one, and purchase stamps to send messages. For some locations you can also attach photos.
Smart Jail Mail
You may also check if Smart Jail Mail is available at Columbia County Prison. Smart Jail Mail is operated by Smart Communications and has contracted with some state and county jails. After purchasing credits, your messages and photos are sent to the facility, printed out, and then handed out to your loved one.
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What is the mailing address of Columbia County Prison?
Mailing address:
Columbia County Prison
721 Iron St
Bloomsburg, PA 17815
Phone: (570) 784-4815Business hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday: Closed
- Friday: Closed
- Saturday: 8:30 AM – 7:30 PM
- Sunday: 8:30 AM – 7:30 PM
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What are the visiting hours at Columbia County Prison?
Visiting hours at Columbia County Prison vary by housing unit and security level. Generally, visits are scheduled on weekends and holidays, with some facilities offering weekday visits. Contact the facility directly at (570) 784-4815 or check their website for the current visiting schedule. Visits typically last 30-60 minutes and must be scheduled in advance.
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What items are prohibited when sending mail to Columbia County Prison?
Prohibited items typically include: cash, personal checks, stamps, stickers, glitter, glue, tape, staples, paperclips, polaroid photos, musical or blank greeting cards, hardcover books, magazines with staples, and any items containing metal or electronics. Only send letters on plain white paper with blue or black ink. Photos must be printed on regular photo paper (no Polaroids). Always check with Columbia County Prison for their specific mail policies.
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How do I send money to an inmate at Columbia County Prison?
You can send money to an inmate at Columbia County Prison through several methods: 1) Online using JPay, Access Corrections, or the facility's approved vendor, 2) Money orders mailed directly to the facility with the inmate's name and ID number, 3) Kiosks located in the facility lobby, or 4) Over the phone using a credit or debit card. Fees vary by method, typically ranging from $2.95 to $11.95 per transaction.
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Can I schedule a video visit with an inmate at Columbia County Prison?
Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Columbia County Prison, video visits may be available through services like Penmate, Securus Video Connect, GTL, or ICSolutions. Video visits typically cost $10-20 for 20-30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. You'll need a computer or smartphone with a camera and reliable internet connection. Contact the facility for their specific video visitation policies and approved vendors.
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What identification do I need to visit an inmate at Columbia County Prison?
All visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who can provide the minor's birth certificate. Some facilities require visitors to be on the inmate's approved visitation list, which may require a background check. Contact Columbia County Prison for specific ID requirements and visitor approval procedures.
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How can I find out an inmate's release date?
To find an inmate's release date at Columbia County Prison, you can: 1) Use the online inmate search tool if available, 2) Call the facility's records department, 3) Contact the inmate's case manager or counselor, or 4) Have the inmate provide this information during a call or visit. For privacy reasons, some facilities only release this information to immediate family members.
Facility Overview
Official Website

About Columbia County Prison
Found in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, Columbia County Prison has been serving the community since 1877 from its location at 721 Iron Street. This long-standing correctional facility operates with a focus on maintaining secure custody while providing essential services to inmates and their families throughout Columbia County and the surrounding region.
The facility supports inmate communication and family connections through various services, including commissary deposits available through Access Corrections online platform or by calling their dedicated line. Visitors may also utilize the kiosk located in the visitation waiting room during designated hours. The prison has implemented a centralized mail processing system, with all inmate correspondence now processed through a Phoenix, Maryland facility to enhance security and efficiency in mail handling.
Columbia County Prison typically offers standard correctional programs that may include educational opportunities, vocational training, and rehabilitation services common to county-level facilities. Like many correctional institutions, the facility often provides access to library services, recreational activities, and may support various counseling programs designed to assist inmates during their incarceration. The prison maintains strict policies regarding facility access, including prohibitions on smoking anywhere on the grounds and restrictions on outside food and beverages, ensuring a secure environment for both staff and inmates.
Programs & Services
Columbia County Prison in Bloomsburg, PA, provides essential communication and commissary services to support incarcerated individuals and their families. The facility has streamlined its inmate deposit system through Access Corrections, allowing families to fund commissary accounts online at AccessCorrections.com, by phone at 1-866-345-1884, or through a convenient kiosk located in the visitation waiting room. To enhance mail security and processing efficiency, the facility has implemented a centralized mail system through TextBehind services, with all personal correspondence now processed through their Phoenix, MD location before reaching inmates.
Beyond these foundational services, Columbia County Prison typically offers educational programming that may include adult basic education, GED preparation, and literacy courses to help residents develop essential academic skills. The facility often provides vocational training opportunities in areas such as maintenance, food service, or other practical trades that can support successful reentry into the community. Counseling services are commonly available and may encompass substance abuse treatment, mental health support, and behavioral intervention programs designed to address underlying issues that contribute to criminal behavior.
The prison also generally maintains recreational and wellness programs that could include physical fitness activities, library services, and religious programming to support inmates' overall well-being during their incarceration. Work programs within the facility may provide opportunities for inmates to gain job skills while contributing to facility operations, potentially in areas like kitchen services, laundry, or maintenance duties. These comprehensive services work together to create a structured environment focused on preparing individuals for successful reintegration into society upon their release.
Daily Life & Visitation

Communication with loved ones forms a central part of the experience for individuals housed at Columbia County Prison in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania. The facility has modernized its mail processing system, with all personal correspondence now routed through a specialized service in Phoenix, Maryland, requiring specific addressing that includes the inmate's name and ID number. Families can maintain financial support through commissary deposits via Access Corrections, either online, by phone, or through a kiosk located in the visitation waiting room during designated hours.
The structured environment at Columbia County Prison typically follows standard correctional protocols common throughout Pennsylvania facilities. Daily routines often include scheduled meal times, recreational periods, and educational or work assignments when available. The facility maintains strict security measures, including a complete prohibition on smoking anywhere on the grounds and restrictions on outside food and beverages. These policies help ensure safety while supporting rehabilitation efforts that may include job training programs, educational opportunities, and counseling services designed to prepare individuals for successful reintegration into the community.
Visitation serves as a vital connection between inmates and their families, with the facility providing a dedicated waiting area equipped with the commissary deposit kiosk for convenience. The prison's location on Iron Street in Bloomsburg allows for family access while maintaining the security protocols necessary for safe operations. Since beginning operations in 1877, the facility has adapted to serve the evolving needs of Columbia County, balancing public safety requirements with programs aimed at reducing recidivism and supporting positive outcomes for both inmates and the broader community.
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