Vending machines are usually filled with salty treats or cold beverages. But what could be sweeter than the gift of knowledge?

Jefferson County’s Children’s Policy Cooperative installed a children’s book vending machine in a local courthouse in May in an effort to give more children free books and help families build at-home libraries.

“The children’s book vending machine is an excellent example of community collaboration to support grade-level reading,” said Shelly Mize, executive director of the cooperative. “Caregivers at Family Court can sign up for a free token and children can use the token to select a book from the vending machine to take home.”

The cooperative provides support, information and opportunities for advocates who want to help Jefferson County children. It has partnered with state agencies and the University of Alabama at Birmingham to help more children read and have access to books.

Presiding Family Court Judge Janine Hunt-Hilliard endorsed installing the vending machine, along with other collaborative efforts from Jefferson County Commissioner Sheila Tyson (District 2) who provided the initial funding.

Professors at the UAB School of Education helped select book titles along with additional family resources to support reading. Alabama Public Television donated a six-month supply of books geared toward pre-K through third-grade readers.

Presiding Family Court Judge Janine Hunt-Hilliard said she thought court was a good location. Jefferson County Commissioner Sheila Tyson provided initial funding for the machine.

The vending machine is located in the second-floor family waiting area of the family court at 120 2nd Court North, Birmingham, Alabama.

If you would like to sponsor children’s books for the machine, you can donate at: jeffersoncountychildren.org or contact Shelly Mize at [email protected]. For additional information, contact CPC Board Chair Greg Townsend at [email protected] or 205-586-1043.

For additional information, contact Greg Townsend, CPC Board Chair: [email protected]. Greg Townsend Cell: (205) 586-1043. CPC Website: www.jeffersoncountychildren.org