It is easy to read into the message behind a new vending machine at Beacon Tree Elementary School.

Books are fun and reading is important.

The school, through its Beacon Tree Volunteers (BTV), has installed a new vending machine that isn’t filled with the usual snacks or drinks, but rather more than 21 different books selected by UCS teachers.

“It makes me much more excited about reading,” said third grader Quinn Makl. “When you see a vending machine, you usually get excited about what is inside because it is usually a prize.”

The vending machine has the dual purpose of promoting literacy and also rewarding students who have demonstrated all five traits of the school’s Positive Behavior program - honesty, gratitude, kindness, respect and responsibility.

Parent Makl said Beacon Tree parents got the vending machine idea through its network with national parent groups.

Several schools across the country have been purchasing them and I loved how fun it looked and that it promotes literacy,” she said.  “When our school exceeded our fall fun run fundraiser goal we wanted to do bring in something new and fun into the building.”

Students earn stickers as they exhibit the five-character traits. Once a student earns 5 stickers they turn these in for an “Inchy the Bookworm” token to make their vending selection. 

The vending machine is located in a prominent spot in the school’s main hallway with great excitement.

“I’ve spoken with several teachers that say when the kids are walking by they are always looking inside and discussing which book they’ll pick once their card is filled!” Makl said. “It’s very eye catching watching it glow in the hallway across from the Media Center.  It’s in the perfect location that all of the students walk by each day.”

Makl said the BTV has purchased more than 800 books.

“We are so fortunate at Beacon Tree to have the support of our parents to make our fundraisers so successful.  We also have wonderful support of our staff at school - they are always excited to adopt new ideas and help spread the love of reading to our kids!”