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Turner ES Kansas City Inchy's Bookworm Vending Machine
David GaygenJun 28, 2024 9:02:47 AM2 min read

Why A Book Vending Machine? Turning Pages and Changing Lives in Kansas City

Why A Book Vending Machine? Turning Pages and Changing Lives in Kansas City
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Today BookVending.com, is excited to highlight the positive influence of Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine in Kansas City. This impact is made possible through our collaboration with Lead to Read KC, Turn the Page KC, and Literacy KC. Our mission has always been to make reading accessible and exciting for children. This collaboration is bringing that vision to life in ways we never imagined.

Students at Turner ES in Kansas City Get books from Inchy's Bookworm Vending Machine

What is Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine?

When we first introduced the idea of rewarding kids with books in our vending machines, we knew we were onto something special. But seeing the excitement on children's faces as they use their tokens to redeem books has exceeded our wildest expectations. It's not just about dispensing books; it's about dispensing dreams, knowledge, and opportunities. In short, we are invested in getting kids excited about reading.

Our machines, capable of holding around 250 books, can be stocked with popular series, diverse stories, picture books, and chapter books. This guarantees an enjoyable selection for readers of all ages. It's a joy to see students eagerly selecting their next adventure or learning experience. 

Teacher Poses with Inchy's Bookworm Vending Machine in Kansas City

As Angela Pritchett from Lead to Read KC told Kanas City Magazine, "It's a shiny machine that certainly gets everyone's attention." And that attention is translating into a love for reading.

Kansas City Has A Literacy Problem - Book Vending Can Help

The statistics driving this initiative are sobering. According to NationsReportCard.gov, basic reading scores are consistently trending downward. Only 21% of third graders in Kansas City are reading at grade level. Unfortunately, children who are not reading at a basic level by third grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school. The need for innovative literacy solutions are critical. BookVending.com is proud to say that Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine is just one part of a larger effort to address these challenges.

Kansas City Reading Score Trends from Government Website

We're proud to be part of a comprehensive approach to literacy that includes the "Reading Is Everywhere" program, part of Learn To Read KC, which distributes 2,700 books monthly across 65 locations. The addition of reading mentors from local businesses further enhances this initiative, providing one-on-one support to young readers.

Book Vending Creates A Lifelong Love Of Reading

In a recent Kansas City Magazine feature, you will read about Mauricio, a student who went from knowing only Spanish to studying civil engineering at UMKC. Mauricio’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of these literacy programs. It's stories like his that inspire us to continue innovating and expanding our reach.

At BookVending.com, we believe that every book dispensed is a potential life changed. We're committed to working with our partners to install more vending machines in schools across Kansas City and beyond. Our goal is to make books as accessible and appealing to children as any candy bar, soda, or snack.

Sparking A Reading Revolution Across The United States of America

We're not just vending books; we're vending opportunities, dreams, and brighter futures. And we couldn't be prouder to be part of this reading revolution in Kansas City.

Remember, with Inchy's Bookworm Vending Machine, every token spent is an investment in a child's future. Together, we're turning the page on illiteracy, one book at a time.

 

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David Gaygen

There is something exciting about a book vending machine. Everyone who hears about it, instantly wants to be a part of it—and that is David's favorite part of the job. In addition to being the community manager and content creator at BookVending.com, he also enjoys being part of the Reading Revolution Podcast. Read. Reward. Inspire. That's what it's all about. Join David and this ever-growing community of educators and literacy champions at bookvending.com

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