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At Baystate Children's Hospital, pediatric patients are discovering a new source of joy and comfort: Inchy's Bookworm Vending Machine.
We, at BookVending.com, believe in the power of books to inspire, comfort, and educate. We create innovative technology to promote reading. That's why Since 2018, our book vending machines have ignited a passion for reading in schools across the nation.
Now, we're thrilled to share the difference our program is making. The simple act of choosing a book can bring moments of normalcy and delight to children facing medical challenges.
The Birth of a Vision
Every great initiative starts with a spark of inspiration. In this case, that spark came from Madison Quinn, a nurse resident at Baystate Children's Hospital. Madison's journey began when she was just 13 years old, after seeing an Instagram video of a child with cancer. This moment ignited her passion to make a difference in the lives of children facing serious illnesses.
Madison's initial efforts involved sending care packages filled with toys to children with cancer. However, her ambition and compassion drove her to dream bigger.
In 2014, she began Strong Little Souls, a nonprofit organization. The group assists families with children who have cancer. They offer both financial and emotional support.
Strong Little Souls: A Beacon of Hope
Strong Little Souls has become a beacon of hope for many families facing the challenges of childhood cancer. The organization has:
- Raised tens of thousands of dollars to help support families' bills
- Sent over 1,000 care packages to children
- Granted more than 100 wishes
These achievements are a testament to Madison's dedication and the power of community support.
But Madison's vision didn't stop there.
From Books to Smiles: The Hospital Book Vending Machine
In April 2023, while working as an ANP on Wesson 2 at Baystate Children's Hospital, Madison faced a new challenge. She had established a strong connection with
Scholastic, who had generously donated thousands of books to her cause. The question was: how could she get these books directly into the hands of the children in the hospital?
Due to infection control issues, books generally cannot be shared among patients in a hospital setting. This is where the idea of a Book Vending Machine came into play.
Enter Inchy's Bookworm Vending Machine
When Madison reached out to us at BookVending.com, we were thrilled to hear about her innovative idea to use our technology in a children's hospital. Our Inchy's Bookworm Vending Machines, primarily designed for schools, seemed like the perfect solution to Madison's challenge.
"We were immediately captivated by Madison's vision," says our CEO. "The idea of bringing the joy of reading to children in a hospital setting, while also addressing infection control concerns, aligned perfectly with our mission of making books accessible in unique and exciting ways."
A Labor of Love
Implementing the Book Vending Machine at Baystate Children's Hospital was truly a labor of love. Funded by Strong Little Souls, the project took nine months of careful planning and coordination between Madison, BMC's Facilities department, and CHAD leadership.
The result? A vibrant, inviting Book Vending Machine stocked with a diverse range of titles in both English and Spanish. From board books for the youngest patients to chapter books for more advanced readers, the machine offers something for every child.
How It Works
Children at Baystate Children's Hospital receive "tokens" to spend at the vending machine. These tokens are rewards for walking, prizes, or given when a child shows interest in reading. This system promotes reading while adding an element of fun and excitement to the hospital experience.
The Impact: More Than Just Books
The impact of the Book Vending Machine was immediate and heartwarming. In a Facebook post, Baystate Health shared a touching anecdote from Madison's very first shift she worked after the machine was installed:
"One of her patients was given a token by another staff member. The next thing she knew, he was running down the hall with his book, so excited to show her what he had! The patient and his mom were able to read a brand-new bedtime story that night, which is what the Book Vending Machine is all about: providing a sense of normalcy and comfort to patients and families."
This story encapsulates what the Book Vending Machine is all about: providing a sense of normalcy and comfort to patients and families during challenging times.
The Power of Reading in Healing
Studies have proven that reading is good for kids' brains, emotions, and stress levels. This is especially important in hospitals.
Reading can help take kids' minds off medical treatments and make them feel more at ease. Children's books can also give kids a sense of control when they feel scared or helpless.
In a published article from Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, Tere Jones, RN, CPN, RNIII, examined a case of patient "Joanna" and the Literally Healing Program. Joanna was admitted to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles after a car accident caused physical and emotional trauma.
The Literally Healing Program at the hospital, founded by Claire Austin, provided specialized books to help Joanna open up about her fears and communicate with her family.
Through the program, Joanna found hope, overcame her fears, and regained happiness. The Literally Healing Program offers over 1,000 titles in its therapeutic library and aims to give children courage, help them handle fears, provide hope, distract from worries, and promote literacy and academic success.
Reading in a hospital:
- Gives children courage to face tough situations.
- Helps children manage their fears.
- Gives children hope for the future.
- Distracts their minds from hospital worries.
- Rewards with books to build literacy and promote academic success.
"I also know of many children who have benefitted from the book gifting program either by picking their own books to read or having parents who picked books to read to their younger children." said Jones
Looking to the Future
The success of the Book Vending Machine at Baystate Children's Hospital has opened our eyes to new possibilities for our technology. We're excited to explore partnerships with other hospitals and healthcare facilities. Together we will bring the joy of reading to more children in medical settings.
Madison's initiative has benefited the patients at Baystate Children's Hospital but also inspired us at BookVending.com to think creatively about how our vending machines can be used to spread the love of reading in diverse environments.
A Call to Action
Madison Quinn's journey from a compassionate teenager to a nurse making a significant impact in her community is truly inspiring. Her story reminds us of the power of individual initiative and the ripple effect of kindness.
We hope you are inspired by this story. If you want to make a difference in your community, consider these actions:
- Donate books to local hospitals or children's organizations
- Volunteer your time by reading to children in hospitals or schools
- Support organizations, like Strong Little Souls, that are making a difference in the lives of children with serious illnesses
- Explore innovative ways to promote reading and education in your community
At BookVending.com, we're proud to have played a part in bringing Madison's vision to life. We believe that every child deserves access to books, regardless of their circumstances. The Book Vending Machine at Baystate Children's Hospital is more than just a dispenser of books; it's a dispenser of joy, comfort, and hope.
As we continue to innovate and expand our reach, we remain committed to our core mission: making reading accessible, exciting, and rewarding for children everywhere. Because in the end, a love of reading is one of the greatest gifts we can give to the next generation.
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