Refurbished newspaper machines get new lives as libraries for Children's patients

Former newspaper machines are now putting the written word in the hands of a new generation of readers, thanks to the efforts of John Moak Scarbrough of Jackson.

This past summer, the Jackson Academy freshman began working on a community service project, a requirement for Eagle Scout hopefuls. He wanted to work on a project that would last and have a real impact on his community.  His family's support of Friends of Children's Hospital – father John Scarbrough is treasurer for the nonprofit – brought him to tour Batson Children's Hospital at the University of Mississippi Medical Center to look for ways to help.

Fast forward to December, and John Moak and his Eagle Scout father were delivering six newspaper vending machines, donated by The Clarion-Ledger, that they had refurbished into Little Free Libraries.

The machines, now coated with a shiny new paint job, don't require coins, and their doors no longer have springs, so little fingers won't get pinched. They're being placed around the children's hospital's outpatient waiting areas, including the lobby, Eli Manning Clinics for Children, the Center for Maternal and Fetal Care, the neonatal intensive care unit waiting area, pediatric X-ray and Children's Rehabilitative Services.

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