From: Amanda Kinney, Judicial Assistant
19th Judicial Circuit
The Autauga County Children’s Policy Council is hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony for our new book
vending machine. The event will take place on January 13, 2026, at 10:00 am at the Autauga County
Courthouse.
The book vending machine was purchased with a literacy grant from the Alabama Department of Early
Childhood Education. The machine is located at the Autauga County Courthouse where children can select
a free, age-appropriate book to take home. This allows the Autauga County Children’s Policy Council to
serve families, promote literacy, encourage reading at home, and support the ongoing success of literacy
initiatives already in place in our county.
With the location of the book vending machine being at the courthouse, the Autauga Children’s Policy
Council hopes it will help children ease the fears that they may have, whether they are coming for a court
case that involves them or their parents or something else.
Judge Sanders shares her hope for the impact of the book vending machine, stating, “I hope the book
vending machine will encourage kids to read and develop a love of reading and spending time away from
a screen. We hope this small token is something that kids can look forward to when visiting the courthouse.”
Children may obtain a token for their book from either courthouse security or from Judge Sanders.
