BEDFORD — A new chapter is beginning inside the Lawrence Circuit Court as Magistrate Anah Hewetson Gouty announced the launch of a Little Free Courthouse Library on September 24, 2025. The initiative aims to bring a positive and uplifting experience to families during what can often be stressful visits to the courthouse.
“During a time that can be stressful and overwhelming, I am thrilled to offer an opportunity for escape and adventure, in the minds of not only adults awaiting court proceedings, but also children,” Magistrate Gouty said.
The Lawrence County project is part of a broader effort that has already placed similar libraries in courthouses around Indiana, supported by Court of Appeals judges who have embraced the mission of making courthouses more welcoming. The inspiration for the idea came from New York Times best-selling author Kim Michele Richardson, who launched “Courthouses Reading Across Kentucky” in 2024 following the success of her novel The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek.
Her initiative drew support from Indiana appellate judges including Melissa S. May, Nancy H. Vaidik, Elizabeth F. Tavitas, Elaine B. Brown, Leanna K. Weissmann, and Dana J. Kenworthy, along with Indiana Supreme Court Justices Loretta Rush and Derek Molter, who bought books and hand-delivered them to Richardson in Louisville. According to Judge Kenworthy, the libraries provide “an opportunity to bring something positive to a family’s experience in the courthouse.”
Richardson’s connection with Indiana’s judiciary began when Judge Kenworthy invited her to join a book club discussion of The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek. Richardson surprised the group by accepting the invitation, joining the judges via Zoom. From that conversation, momentum grew, leading to courthouse library launches across Indiana. Judge Vaidik, who spearheaded the Gary initiative alongside Judge Tavitas, said their ultimate goal is “to start a library in every county in Indiana.”
Magistrate Gouty now brings that mission home to Lawrence County, inviting residents to stop by the courthouse, located at 916 15th Street, Room 37, Bedford, and enjoy the new library inside its historic halls.
