Build Home Libraries To Expand Literacy Skills Beyond The Classroom

Could a book vending machine change a child's future? When that machine dispenses books instead of snacks, research suggests the answer is yes. Across America, innovative schools are installing book vending machines, and the impact reaches far beyond school walls.

The Power of Building Home Libraries

Recent research by Dr. Joanna Sikora of Australia National University reveals a startling fact: growing up with a home library significantly boosts literacy skills well into adulthood. Her comprehensive study of 160,000 adults across 31 countries found that teenagers who have access to books at home achieve literacy levels comparable to university graduates who grew up without books.

The magic number? Just 80 books can make a measurable difference in a child's future success. They wrote:

"Having approximately 80 books in adolescent home libraries raised levels to the average, while once the library size reached 350 books, it was “not associated with significant literacy gains”

Book Vending Machines: A Creative Solution

Schools are finding innovative ways to help students build home libraries. At State Road Elementary in La Crosse, Wisconsin, students were recently surprised with a new addition to their hallway: an Inchy's Bookworm Vending Machine.

This particular machine was made possible through sponsorship between from Trust Point Wealth Management and the Lacrosse public education foundation.

"I think it gives students the opportunity to read a book throughout the day; at night, in the mornings, whenever it's convenient for them," explains Bill Bosch, CEO of Trust Point, whose organization helped fund the initiative. "Reading is a great skillset to have. We hope Inchy's Bookworm Vending Machine fosters that whenever the kids want."

How It Works

Why Inchy? Unlike traditional vending machines, these literary dispensers operate on a positive reward system:

• Students earn special tokens through academic achievement and positive behavior
• Each token can be redeemed for a book of their choice
• Students begin building their home libraries one book at a time

The Long-Term Impact

Research by Dr. Joanna Sikora and her colleagues at Australian National University demonstrates that exposure to books during adolescence delivers significant benefits:

1. Enhanced Literacy: Growing up with books significantly improves adult literacy levels
2. Improved Numeracy: The study found that adolescent exposure to books benefits both literacy and numeracy skills
3. Technology Skills: Home libraries were found to positively relate to ICT (Information and Communication Technology) competencies
4. Educational Equity: Teenagers from homes filled with books, even those with lower levels of secondary education, achieved similar literacy levels as university graduates who grew up with few books

Community Support Makes It Possible

The success of book vending machine programs relies on community partnership. In La Crosse:

• Trust Point wealth management provided crucial funding
• The La Crosse Public Education Foundation supported implementation
• Local educators integrate the program into teaching strategies like PBIS rewards

This collaborative approach has proven so successful that plans are already in motion to expand the program to more schools in the La Crosse area.

Beyond Traditional Reading Programs

Book vending machines represent a shift in how we think about literacy education:

1. Students choose their own books, increasing engagement
2. Books go home permanently, eliminating return anxiety
3. Positive behavior earns immediate, tangible rewards
4. Reading becomes associated with achievement and pride

Looking to the Future

As schools seek ways to boost literacy rates and academic achievement, book vending machines offer a promising solution. They combine the excitement of choice with the proven benefits of home library building, creating a pathway to lifelong learning success.

Take Action

For educators and community leaders interested in bringing a book vending machine to their school:

• Connect with local businesses and educational foundations
• Research successful programs like the La Crosse initiative
• Consider the long-term impact on student literacy and achievement
• Use the link below to request a quote from us today