United Local just got a book vending machine for kids to bring home books to keep for their own! The vending machine holds up to 300 books and it currently has 280. Since Nonfiction is not popular and is more expensive, the machine only has fiction books for now.
It works like any other type of vending machine. Students put a token in the slot, make a selection, and retrieve the book from the slot at the bottom. The students will have to earn the tokens for doing something right such as being nice to others, doing their work, and having good attendance.
According to Mrs. Ward, “Book prices are going up and the current funding opportunities are decreasing, we have to be careful on spending our money. Since the prices on books are going up significantly the books will not be changed out regularly. They will stay in the machine until they are selected and as funds are available to replace them. We have carefully researched list of titles that we will be using to supply the machine. As funds become available, we will purchase more of those titles to have on hand. As the books are being selected, we will note the most popular titles to make sure we replenish those.”
“Mrs. Russo, a sixth grade Language Arts teacher, came up with the idea for the vending machine and she asked me to help out,” Mrs.Ward stated.. She said they wanted the students to have a book they can bring home and keep for their own which will encourage them to read.
Each book has been carefully researched for appropriateness, reading level and interest level. There are colored labels on the bottom left-hand corner of each book to identify the genre. Also, on the inside of the books are stamps so students can write in their name just in case they misplace the book.
“We are currently seeking grant opportunities and asking for monetary donations to help purchase books. We are also looking for groups, businesses or individuals to sponsor a row of books in the machine. Mr.kilroy used his wicked math skills to approximate the cost of each row to be around $200. Each row holds 12 books. Once we start signing up row sponsors, we will put up a sponsor sign on the machine as well as thank them on the school’s Facebook page. All monetary donations and sponsorships are tax deductible. We are not accepting donations of books because each title must be carefully researched for appropriateness before being considered” Mrs. Ward explained.
Anyone with questions or those willing to donate should contact Mrs. Ward in the high school library at 330-223-2815 or email her at Denise.Ward@eaglepride.net. Donations can be sent directly to:
United High School
Attn:Denise Ward
8143 State Rt. 9
Hanoverton, OH 44423
All donors will receive a receipt for tax purposes.