White Heath Elementary School Welcomes Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine
White Heath Elementary School held a ribbon cutting ceremony on October 9 to celebrate receiving a new Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine. The book vending machine dispenses grade-appropriate books instead of snacks and is positioned as an incentive system for students.
“White Heath Elementary School is so grateful for the opportunity to receive a book vending machine.” said White Heath Elementary School Principal, Maggie Woodham. “The students were very excited and can’t wait to pick out their own book. We appreciate the HICF for helping us get books into our students’ hands.”
Students at White Heath Elementary will have the ability to earn “gold coins” as rewards for exemplary behavior and academic achievement. When students are awarded a token, they can select a book of their choosing from the vending machine and they get to keep the book. The idea is to spark a lifelong love for reading by providing a fun and innovative way to access books. White Heath Elementary School partnered with beloved local bookstore, Hartfield Book Company, to purchase the books for the vending machine. The HICF is committed to contributing to the local economy and fostering a sense of community and partnered with Hartfield Book Company with hopes their bookstore will become a favorite place for each student. An additional $1,000 grant was provided to White Heath to restock the machine with books from Hartfield Book Company.
“Stories matter and something I tell my students all the time is books can change your life.” said White Heath Elementary Librarian, Brooke Voss. “I became a reader in 5th grade after a read aloud from my teacher, and I hope we can do the same for our students. My goal is to help all students find the book that turns them into a reader! This book vending machine will help continue to achieve this for White Heath Sages.”
White Heath Elementary School is the first school in Piatt County to receive a book vending machine. Each year, the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation places two book vending machines in area elementary schools. Funds for the book vending machine came from the HICF Next Chapter Literacy Fund.
“The HICF is thrilled to partner with local businesses and donors in Piatt County on projects like this,” said foundation CEO Natalie Beck. “These are the kinds of solutions that HICF is here for and the commitment of our board and donors to make all of this happen. We’re excited to see the joy in the children’s faces as they get to choose their book from the vending machine.”
