How to Send Books to Someone at Miller County Detention Center

Miller County Detention Center accepts softcover books - but only if they're shipped postage-paid directly from a publisher or bookstore. Mail a book yourself, and it'll likely get turned away. Hardcovers? Not allowed. Magazine subscriptions? Also a no-go. Stick to paperbacks shipped straight from the seller.

The rule is simple: you can buy softcover books for someone at Miller County Detention Center, but the package must ship postage-paid directly from a publisher or bookstore. That "directly from" part is key. The facility wants shipments coming from the business itself - not from a friend or family member who repackaged it.

• ✓ Choose a seller that qualifies as a publisher or bookstore (not a personal shipment)
• ✓ Make sure the order ships postage-paid (standard retailer shipping is usually fine)
• ✓ Double-check the facility’s current mail rules before you place the order, so you don’t waste time or money

Two items always get rejected: hardcover books and magazine subscriptions. Even if the content is completely harmless, hardcovers won't make it through. Same goes for magazines - don't try sending a single issue or changing a subscription address to test it.

1. Pick a softcover (paperback) edition - hardcovers won’t be accepted, so confirm the format before you check out.
2. Order from a publisher or bookstore - the book has to ship directly from the seller, not from you.
3. Confirm it will ship postage-paid - the facility requires postage-paid delivery.
4. Address it to your loved one clearly - use the detainee’s full name on the shipping label; add an ID number if you have it.
5. Save your order confirmation and tracking - if there’s a delay or rejection, your receipt and shipment details are what you’ll reference.

If the book you want only comes in hardcover - or you were hoping to send magazines - you'll need a different approach. Look for an approved softcover edition from a publisher or bookstore and have it shipped directly. No luck? Detainees can purchase these items through commissary instead.

• ✓ Switch to a permitted softcover (paperback) version and ship it directly from a publisher or bookstore
• ✓ Send funds by money order (not cash) so the detainee can buy items through commissary
• ✓ If you’re trying to time purchases, know that detainees with funds may order commissary on Wednesdays for delivery on Fridays

Need to send money instead? Miller County Detention Center accepts money orders through U.S. Mail - never cash. Write the detainee's name on the money order so it gets credited to the right account. Mail it to: Miller County Detention Center, 2300 East Street, Texarkana, AR 71854-8023.