Book Vending Machine Donated By PTA Introduced To Alexandria Students

ALEXANDRIA, VA — On Thursday morning, kids at Naomi L. Brooks Elementary School eagerly lined up to make their selections from a new vending machine. But it wasn't a normal vending machine with snacks that they were after. It was books.

A book vending machine was unveiled to students at Naomi L. Brooks Elementary School with books for varying reading levels. To get a book from the vending machine, students receive a token for their birthday or as a reward from a teacher. Two other Alexandria schools — Cora Kelly School and Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy— have a book vending machine.

The book vending machine was spearheaded by the Naomi L. Brooks Elementary School PTA.

"Literacy is a big focus of our school," Armita Cohen, a past president of the PTA, told Patch. "We heard about book vending machines and how it makes kids excited about reading."

Students contributed to the book selection based on what they'd like to read. Books come from donations from the community, including ongoing book donations to the school.

The first students to access the book vending machine were those with birthdays since the start of the school year. Book selections ranged from advanced books at the top to picture books at the bottom and everything in between, according to Cohen. She says it's important for literacy to have children get physical copies of books.

"It brings me a lot of joy, and it makes me excited for them," said Cohen as children excitedly made their book choices at the vending machine.

Maya Mahoney, the current PTA president, said the generosity of parents ensures books will continue to supply the vending machine.

"We have a lot of parents that love that we brought a book vending machine to the school," said Mahoney. "It's a great way for the community to get involved in the book vending machine as well."