An innovative trend has been making waves in Native American reservations across North America: book vending machines. These unique machines are not just dispensing books; they're dispensing hope, cultural pride, and a love for reading. At BookVending.com, we're excited to share how these machines are making a significant impact in Native communities.
For many Native American children, seeing themselves represented in literature can be a rare and powerful experience. These communities fill their book vending machines with books by Indigenous authors. These stories reflect the experiences, heritage, and culture of young readers.
A unique vending machine operated by the Prince Albert Indian and Métis Friendship Centre is making waves. Instead of snacks, it dispenses books written by Indigenous authors — completely free of charge.
Anne Stene is the program director with the Friendship Centre. She emphasizes the importance of keeping books in homes.
"We don't want the books back, we want them to stay in the home, and say the child is done with a book, they can give it to a friend."
At Chief Payepot School, the unveiling of book vending machines was met with tremendous excitement. Principal Nicole Crowe shared, "The students were really excited because we had these huge vending machines wrapped up on our hallways. I had a lot of calls from parents asking, 'what's in there?'"
The machine has a strong focus on Indigenous authors and stories. Heather O'Watch's book, "Auntie's Rez Surprise," was the first book dispensed from the machine.
The Niagara Regional Native Centre received one of eight book vending machines provided to friendship/cultural centers and schools on various Indigenous lands. Wyller Fushtey, the Native Centre's Akwe:go program coordinator, controls the book vending machine.
"It's an opportunity for our community to access Indigenous literature by Indigenous authors and see themselves represented in that literature as well," Fushtey explained.
The impact of these book vending machines has been very positive. However, implementing them in Native reservations comes with unique challenges:
BookVending.com is proud to be part of this educational revolution. These machines are more than just novelty items. They are powerful tools for promoting literacy, preserving culture, and empowering Native youth.
David Robertson is an Indigenous author. His book is available in some of these machines. He sums up the impact beautifully: "The more stories that are out there, Indigenous content written by Indigenous writers, the more people are learning from a place of truth."
If you're interested in bringing a book vending machine to your Native community or school, reach out to BookVending.com. Let's work together to create the next generation of passionate readers and cultural ambassadors!