Florida School Vending Machine Offers Books Instead Of Snacks

A vending machine that’s dropping knowledge? Now this is the kind of vending machine more schools across the nation should be investing in!

An elementary school in Umatilla, Florida, unveiled a book vending machine this week as part of the state’s literacy week. They held a pep rally for the event, singing and dancing, in support of Florida’s literacy week before the reveal.

Instead of money, children use the school’s “Bulldog Bucks” to use the machine. “Bucks” are awarded to students for doing their homework, or simply being kind and making good choices.

“The kids were so excited, they were trying to buy books out of it before we even unveiled it,” said Umatilla Elementary School Principal Dianne Dwyer.

The books are a variety of reading skill levels and ‘cost’ 50 cents. The vending machine is filled with books that were both donated to and purchased by the school. Dwyer said the school plans to keep the machine around full time, but hopes to partner with local businesses to increase the number of books donated.

“We call them ‘forever books,'” Dwyer said. “Because we want the kids to take them home, read them with friends, share them with family. It’s a free book for them to keep.”

By: Maytinee Kramer