The Rise of Book Vending Machines in Schools: Inspiring a Love for Reading

At Clardy Vending, we’re always excited to see innovative ways vending machines are being used to transform communities. Schools across Ohio are taking a creative approach to encourage reading by introducing book vending machines, making literacy both fun and rewarding for students.

Wilson Vance Intermediate School Leads the Way in Findlay

In Findlay, Ohio, Wilson Vance Intermediate School, part of the Findlay City School District, has introduced a book vending machine with the support of a grant from the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation. This initiative is part of the district's strategy to inspire a love for reading among students.

The machine, capable of holding nearly 500 books, is one of six in the district. Each book has been carefully curated to cover a variety of topics, ensuring that every student finds something of interest.

At Wilson Vance, students in grades three through five earn "Tommy Tickets" through good behavior. After collecting 50 tickets, students can trade them for a token to choose a book from the vending machine, which they get to keep.

“This is just one strategy, of many, that we have to again, inspire a love of reading," said Kimberly Bash, chief engagement officer for the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation. 

Wilson Vance Intermediate School isn’t the only school who’s decided to implement a book vending machine and since June we haven’t seen any others until now! It looks like the other cities are catching on!

Springfield Elementary Partners with VFW to Bring Books to Students

Meanwhile, in New Middletown, Ohio, Springfield Elementary School has also embraced this idea, thanks to the generous support of VFW Post 2799. The book vending machine at Springfield Elementary offers students an opportunity to earn books as part of the school’s behavioral incentive program.

Students earn special coins for good behavior, which they can use to select a book from the vending machine. This machine holds around 45 books, including both chapter and picture books, giving students a variety of options to choose from.

Springfield Elementary Principal Anthony Albanese shared how the project came to life: “It just came together in a conversation had with the VFW and Dave Blakeman, at our Kindness Club meeting. I mentioned it to him and, literally, the next morning, I get an email from the company, and he calls me and said, ‘Hey, your vending machine will be there in December.'”

Blakeman added, “I just took it back to the people. I said, ‘We should be the ones that do this for our community.’ I had zero opposition, and we made it happen the next day.”

The Impact of Book Vending Machines

These book vending machines go beyond providing books—they foster positive behavior, build excitement around reading, and give students a sense of ownership and pride in their achievements. By rewarding good behavior with books, schools are not only promoting literacy but also creating lifelong readers.

At Clardy Vending, we’re thrilled to see vending machines being used in such innovative and impactful ways. Whether it’s snacks, drinks, or books, vending machines are proving to be versatile tools that meet the unique needs of every community.

Interested in how vending machines can benefit your school or business? Contact Clardy Vending today to learn about our customizable vending solutions!