Samford alumna Shelly Mize, MSE ’98, EDS ’01, EDD ’03 has developed an innovative literacy program in Jefferson County that is bringing free books to underserved children through book vending machines. This community-driven initiative is tackling educational inequities and promoting early childhood literacy.

Mize, executive director of the Children’s Policy Cooperative of Jefferson County, has transformed an age-old invention into a beacon of hope for underserved families. Her pioneering initiative has placed thousands of books directly into the hands of children, fostering a love of reading while bridging the literacy gap.

In 2022, while waiting for a table at a restaurant, Mize came across a photograph in a local community magazine. The image depicted children selecting books from a vending machine as a reward for good character.

“That was my mustard seed,” Mize said. Inspired, she clipped the photo, researched costs, and began pitching the idea to community partners. “I floated the idea with, ‘Hey guys, I have this really crazy idea. What do you think about a free book vending machine at family court?’” she recalled.

The response was overwhelmingly positive, especially from early supporters like Tiffany Armstrong at Alabama Public Television and Cora Causey, assistant professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s School of Education, Family Court Judge Hunt-Hilliard and the CPC Board of Directors. Mize credits their enthusiasm with giving her the courage to pursue the project. In just nine months, her dream became a reality, with a storeroom stocked with more than 5,000 books and funding for the first vending machine secured through Jefferson County Commissioner Sheila Tyson. At the ribbon cutting ceremony in May 2023, Tyson pledged to fund a second machine, now housed at the Jefferson County Family Court in Bessemer.

Before the initiative had even begun it was already spreading.

Since their installation, the machines have distributed more than 3,000 books to children, many of whom live in “book deserts” where access to age-appropriate reading materials is limited.

“Our families live in communities where books on a child’s reading level are few and far between,” Mize said. “By placing books directly into their hands, we’re not only encouraging a love of reading but also helping to build home libraries.”

A Unique Model for Literacy

Unlike traditional vending machines that dispense snacks or drinks, these book vending machines operate with a twist. Caregivers can sign up for a free token upon arrival at family court. In exchange, children receive access to an array of books suited to their interests and age levels. The machines feature everything from board books and picture books to graphic novels and chapter books. Data collected during the token distribution process helps Mize’s team tailor their offerings to better serve their audience, including books in languages other than English.

“We make sure the books are of high interest and reflective of the children we serve,” Mize said. “Kids gravitate toward books that look like them, feature familiar characters or have inviting covers. Our goal is to create excitement and ensure every child leaves with something they can’t wait to read.”

The machines have also adapted to meet the needs of older children, a change prompted by an emotional moment shortly after the program launched. Mize recalled a photograph sent by a colleague of a teenage boy engrossed in a Dr. Seuss board book.

“It melted my heart,” she said. “That day, I ordered age-appropriate books for older youth too. Now, our machines serve everyone from babies to high schoolers.”

Transforming Waiting Rooms into Learning Spaces

The initiative has turned family court waiting rooms into unexpected hubs of literacy. Children waiting for legal proceedings now have access to stories that entertain, educate and inspire.

Many of those who find themselves at family court, do so with heaps of stress and anxiety on their shoulders. Children and parents both may find themselves waiting with uncertainty and anxiety clouding their hearts. The vending machines serve as a pleasant distraction and aim to strengthen family bonds.

“We’re encouraging families to read together,” Mize said. “It truly takes a village to foster literacy, and we’re doing our part to support both children and caregivers.”

The impact has been profound. Parents and children alike have embraced the program, often expressing gratitude for the books.

“It’s rare for anyone to turn down a token,” Mize said. “There’s something magical about watching a child light up when they find a book they love.”

Community Support and Collaboration

Mize emphasizes that the program’s success is a testament to the power of community partnerships. Organizations like Alabama Public Television, Superior Text, Alabama Power Foundation, Family Court-Programs and Barnes & Noble have played vital roles, alongside local educators, nonprofits and government officials.

“We love our partners,” Mize said, “One of our board members even asked for children’s books in lieu of birthday presents last year. She wanted 60 books for her 60th birthday, and her friends and family donated 202.”

In addition to donations, creative collaborations have fueled the program’s growth. For example, three partners are currently pooling resources to create parent tutor boxes, expanding the initiative’s reach beyond the vending machines. The program’s unique model has garnered interest from courts and libraries in other states, sparking conversations about replicating it nationwide.

The Bigger Picture: Early Literacy and Lifelong Impact

Mize’s initiative is rooted in research highlighting the critical role of early literacy in academic success. Studies show that children who read proficiently by the end of third grade are more likely to excel in school and beyond. However, for many families in underserved communities, the barriers to literacy are steep. Limited access to books, time constraints and financial challenges often stand in the way.

“Our original goal was to help children read on grade level by third grade,” Mize said, “But by offering books for all ages, we’re supporting literacy development at every stage. The more opportunities we provide, the stronger readers our children will become.”

The initiative also aligns with broader efforts to address systemic inequities in education. By putting books in the hands of children who need them most, Mize hopes to create a ripple effect that extends far beyond the courtroom. “These children are our future,” she said. “The more we invest in them now, the brighter that future will be.”

Looking Ahead

As the program continues to grow, Mize remains focused on sustainability and impact. Plans are underway to expand the initiative to additional locations, including other family courts and community spaces. While the measurable outcomes of the program are still in development, Mize is confident in its transformative potential.

“It’s hard to quantify, but the joy on a child’s face when they pick their book says it all,” she said.

For educators and community leaders looking to replicate her success, Mize offers simple but powerful advice: “Be open to new ideas, even if they seem unattainable. Plant your mustard seed and never underestimate the power of prayer.”

Through her innovative use of book vending machines, Mize has turned waiting rooms into places of possibility, proving that even small acts of creativity and compassion can spark lifelong change.