How to Send Books and Mail to Someone at Harford County Detention Center
Mail rules at detention centers can be strict—miss one small requirement and your letter comes right back. Here's how to send postcards, photos, and books to someone at Harford County Detention Center, plus how to message them digitally through Access Corrections.
Include the person's full name and ID number on all mail. Send it to: Harford County Detention Center Inmate Name and ID # P.O. Box 1245 Bel Air, MD 21014
For personal mail, Harford County Detention Center requires commercially produced postcards that meet U.S. Postal Service standards. Handmade postcards and index cards aren’t accepted, so stick with store-bought postcards that are clearly printed and USPS-compliant.
Sending photos? Keep it to 5 photographs per envelope. If you have more to share, spread them across multiple mailings.
Harford County Detention Center only accepts books from approved vendors. As of 6/25/25, books must be ordered from BarnesandNoble.com or BooksAMillion.com and shipped via U.S. Postal Service (USPS). When placing an order online, double-check that the shipping method is USPS - other carriers won't work.
No hardback or used books: Harford County Detention Center does not accept hardback books or used books.
Books from anywhere other than BarnesandNoble.com or BooksAMillion.com get returned to the sender. That includes other retailers, third-party marketplace sellers, and individuals. Before you buy, check the "sold by" info and shipping details.
Prefer to send something electronically? Harford County Detention Center uses Access Corrections for internet-based mail. You can send messages and photos to inmates through this service.
- Log in to your Access Corrections account - use your email address and password.
- Send an email - write and send your message after you’re signed in.
- Handle payments if needed - you can also use the same login to make an inmate deposit or a probation & parole payment.
Practical Tips
- ✓ Put the inmate’s name and ID number on anything you mail, and use the facility mailing address exactly as provided.
- ✓ If you’re sending books, order only from BarnesandNoble.com or BooksAMillion.com.
- ✓ Skip hardback and used books - those aren’t accepted.
USPS shipping isn't optional for book orders here. Before you finalize your purchase, confirm the package will ship through the U.S. Postal Service.
Two rules to remember for personal mail: use commercially produced postcards that meet USPS standards (no handmade cards or index cards), and limit photos to 5 per envelope.
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