Book Vending Machine Opens In North Penn School

LANSDALE, PA — While some school districts are embroiled in book bans, and still countless others turn increasingly to technology and STEM programs sometimes at the expense of the humanities, the North Penn School District is taking another tact.

Already known for its expansive literacy programs — the district connects thousands of elementary students to high school football players who read to them during a "Reading Super Bowl" each February — North Penn has found yet another way to promote reading.

A.M. Kulp Elementary School has opened a new vending machine that dispenses not candy or soda, but books. And it doesn't accept money, only "Cougar Paws," a form of local Kulp currency that can only be earned by students who do good deeds and show positive behavior.

"Students at A.M. Kulp focus on 'be' statements: be positive, be respectful, and be responsible," the district explained. "When students exemplify those statements, staff members hand out Cougar Paws."

The idea has had a huge advocate for years in librarian Alyssa Nedorezov, who has sought ways to help students grow their libraries at home. When students get a book from the machine, the book is theirs to keep forever.

“Having the book vending machine in the front lobby of our school provides yet another avenue to get books in the hands of students, helping to bridge the gap between engagement and literacy,” Nedorezov said. “This allows students to build upon their own personal libraries at home, encouraging good reading habits in all aspects of their lives.”

The machine is set in a visible location in the school lobby, and features titles for all elementary ages from kindergarten through sixth grade.