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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.