Book vending machine brings ‘joy of reading’ to Brook Park school

BROOK PARK, Ohio — Every few minutes, a student would slowly wander by, scuffing along to sneak a peek at the huge box hidden behind cardboard and a bright yellow bow.

Brook Park Elementary School teachers and staff for weeks had been building excitement online and through videos.

With the drop of a gold coin into the slot, the new book vending machine at last dispensed its first reward on Jan. 24.

By following Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) incentive program guidelines, students can earn a button, a sticker and then Titan tickets for entry into a weekly drawing. Teachers submit those tickets to Principal Tracy Schneid every Friday, and students whose tickets are drawn can choose from a variety of Scholastic books on display behind the vending machine’s glass.

“We had to have the custodian take off the building doors to get it in here,” Jen Csiszar, instructional literacy coach, recalled about the refrigerator-sized machine. “It was exciting.”

“We have wanted this forever,” added Schneid. “It has been my dream.”

Csiszar and Schneid said they worked several years to get the book vending machine, first by talking to school officials in California who had one, then positioning the acquisition to enhance student reading goals and inspire positive behavior.

The honor of being the first vending machine user went to kindergartner Mia Moguel, who was the first winner of the school’s 40-book Challenge. She selected “Fruits in Suits,” by Jared Chapman.

Going forward, vending machine books will be awarded based on student achievement of PBIS guidelines.

Schneid explained why the machine is such an excellent addition.

“You can set parameters for young kids, but when they see the light at the end of the tunnel of something to accomplish, they are more apt to achieve it,” Schneid said. “For PBIS, it is when they are observed in the building being respectful, safe, responsible or kind.”

Csiszar believes the collection of books will enhance literacy by “instilling a joy of reading.”

“It also is another way for students to build home libraries,” Csiszar said.

“The more they can read, the more they can write,” Schneid emphasized. “And the better readers and writers they become.”

Title 1 federal funding covered the vending machine cost. Brook Park Elementary is the only school in the Berea City School District that has one.

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