A simple idea can transform a child's relationship with reading. You can show what it means to be a reader. Make time for reading. Have many different books available. And hope that one day it all makes sense. But then there’s the magic of a book vending machine. When a student puts a special token into the vending machine, they walk away with a brand-new book they picked themselves.
This is the kind of magic that United Way chapters create with their literacy programs and book vending machines.
The results speak for themselves:
Traditional reading programs often face one main challenge: Making reading feel like a choice, not a chore. Book vending machines elegantly solve this problem by:
"We wanted to meet children right at the moment they start seeing books not just as homework—but as adventures, discoveries and friends." - Janie Johnson, United Way CEO
What makes the United Way's implementation particularly effective is their strategic focus on early readers. The United Way of Mid & South Jefferson County focuses on first-grade students. This is a key time when children start to see themselves as readers.
Early intervention is crucial. Research consistently shows that children who aren't reading proficiently by third grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school. By making reading fun and easy from the start of a child's education, United Way helps create a strong base for future success.
United Way chapters have wisely extended their book vending initiatives beyond the regular school year. The United Way of Mid & South Jefferson County is celebrating their third annual "Summer Reading Palooza." This event is made to help fight the well-known "summer slide" in reading skills.
During these events, students receive tokens to select books for summer reading, often starting their very first home libraries. For many families with limited resources, these might be the only new books entering their homes all year.
Educators report that book vending machines create positive ripple effects throughout their school communities:
As Educational Service District 112 in Washington state noted, "With the installation of book vending machines, schools are making a strategic investment in the future of literacy in our communities."
At BookVending.com, we've had the privilege of supplying book vending machines to United Way chapters and schools nationwide. The process typically works like this:
A local United Way chapter or educational foundation secures funding for book vending machines
Schools receive the customized machines along with an initial stock of age-appropriate books
Teachers and administrators develop token reward systems aligned with their school's values and goals
United Way volunteers or school staff regularly restock the machines with fresh, engaging titles
Students earn tokens through academic achievement, positive behavior, or other accomplishments
We've seen this model succeed in diverse communities like urban schools in Port Arthur, Texas to rural Canadian providences. The United Way of Buffalo & Erie County has started similar programs in their "You Belong" literacy initiative. This shows how flexible this approach can be.
Improved reading skills are the most clear benefit. School leaders say they see many other returns on their investment:
As demonstrated in Beaumont, Texas, these machines become points of pride for entire school communities.
Book vending machines are one of many innovative elementary school library solutions. They change how young people interact with books. Forward-thinking schools are reimagining their literacy spaces with:
Book vending machines fit well with these new ideas. They give students many ways to find the joy of reading.
If you're inspired by United Way's success with book vending machines, here's how you can get started:
Our team has helped hundreds of schools implement successful book vending programs, and we're ready to support your literacy vision too.
The genius of the United Way's approach lies in its simplicity: transform books from assignments into rewards, and watch children discover the intrinsic joy of reading. As Priscilla Ochoa, Engagement Director at the United Way of Mid & South Jefferson County, beautifully expressed:
"Seeing the excitement in their faces when we tell them that they will pick out books to bring home and keep, that pure joy is magic. Reading is a life skill that sets students on a path of success."
At BookVending.com, we're proud to be part of this literacy revolution, one token, one book, one reader at a time.
Ready to bring the magic of book vending to your school?
Have you seen book vending machines in action at your local schools? Share your experiences in the comments below!