A book vending machine is one of the best kinds of vending machines for a school community. They are associated with a number of benefits for teachers and students alike, and they are easy to customize. Book vending machines aren’t that well-known in the vending world, though. Many people aren’t aware they exist at all. Below, we’ll explore the perks of putting a book vending machine in a school, explain how they work, and explore the process of acquiring one.
What Are the Perks of Having a Book Vending Machine at a School?
Schools that have already added a book vending machine to their list of resources on campus have taken advantage of a number of perks. In fact, schools that add healthy food or snacks vending machines on their premises mostly see students relishing this convenience. These benefits are most noticeable at the elementary school level to prepare for middle school, but a book vending machine could really find success anywhere.
Encourages a Love of Reading
The main benefit that comes from a book vending machine is its ability to encourage a love of reading in kids of all ages. This is especially true if the student gets to pick the book out themselves. Vending books to children is a great way to get them excited about new titles and ensure the entire experience is a positive one. Every school’s system for getting books into children’s hands will vary a little bit, but this perk is undeniable in every situation.
Can Be Used as a Reward System
Book vending machine is incredibly beneficial for use as a reward program for students. It falls perfectly into the PBIS incentive (PBIS stands for positive behavioral interventions & supports). Positive behavior inside and outside the classroom, such as good attendance and good grades, can earn a student a free book. Some schools may offer free books on student birthdays or come up with some other fun way for students to earn books.
Providing kids with their own personalized reward system in the form of a book vending machine will help encourage good behavior, build a strong reading community in the school, and encourage students to improve their literacy, all at the same time.
Provides Permanent Access to Books
No matter what type of system is used to provide books to students, whether it is rewarding kids for good behavior or offering books on a predetermined schedule, the kids will be able to keep those books for life.
Many parents may not be able to afford new books for their children all the time, and the standard library system in schools requires the students to return the books before too long. A book vending machine is an excellent way to provide students with books that they can call their own. Not only is this a very positive thing mentally for the children, but they will be able to keep up with their reading over the summer months and be more prepared for the next year of school.
How Does a Book Vending Machine Work?
A book vending machine will work a little bit differently than the average machine or your home library. Rather than being equipped with payment systems, a book vending machine has a token slot that allows books to be dispensed. Tokens will be earned by students in some way, then inserted into the book vending machine. Once a book is chosen, it will be dispensed at the bottom of the machine.
Typically, the books in a book vending machine will be organized by grade level, with the youngest audience finding their books on the bottom row and the older students finding their books closer to the top of the book vending machine. This helps ensure students can see selections that are suited to their literacy level.
How Much Do Book Vending Machines Cost?
On average, a book vending machine will cost between $4000 and $5000 to purchase. The cost of the stock can range between $1000 and $1500 depending on the size of the book vending machine and the type of books chosen.
School administrators will also need to consider the cost of shipping, ongoing service/maintenance needs, and potentially also the purchase of warranty coverage.
Since many school budgets won’t include the funding for this expense, financing options such as grants may be used to acquire funds, or money can be raised through fundraisers just like for a school trip or event. Scholastic dollars can be used to purchase replacement books as they are ‘sold’ to the students.
What Book Vending Machines Are There?
There are several book vending machines on the market already, ensuring every school can have access to a machine once they’ve decided to go forward with the investment. Let’s take a look at some of the options.
Global Vending Group
Global Vending Group is home to the Inchy’s Bookworm vending machine. This company is based in the US and is the most popular source for a book vending machine in the country. This vending machine can hold 200-300 books at a time with the option of stocking as many as 20 different selections of varying sizes. Schools even have the option to customize the exterior, and the purchase will include 100 tokens.
TCN
TCN is a more affordable US-based company that offers a high-quality book vending machine for use in schools. The machine has a maximum capacity of 375 books when stocked completely with thin chapter books, but the slots can be easily adjusted to accommodate other sizes as well. 100 tokens are included with purchase, as well as a full year of warranty coverage.
AMS Vending
AMS Vending is perhaps the most recognizable vending brand in the US, and they also have a book vending machine on offer. Their machine has a smaller capacity than the other US brands at 215 books maximum. With 4 adjustable shelves and a total potential for 14 different selections, students will still have a wide range of books to choose from. Warranty coverage and 100 tokens are included in the purchase price.
Genphoal
Genphoal is a vending company based in China, and they offer the widest selection of book vending machines at the most affordable prices. If an American company doesn’t have the type of book vending machine you want or you can’t find the funds for it, one of Genphoal’s machines may be the right match.
Vend Trade
Vend Trade is a European vending company that has two book vending machines in their inventory. The larger model has a capacity of 200 books, and their smaller model can hold a maximum of 150. The larger book vending machine offers space for 21 different selections of varying sizes, and you are free to customize the arrangement inside the book vending machine however you wish to.
Custom Book Vending Machine
There are many companies at the moment that offer custom vending machines. Any concept you'd like to see come to life and vend with smart design, is attainable through their services. Keep in mind that these machines usually cost more because of the customization, but if you lower down on other smart features you may end up with a pretty good price.
How to Get a Book Vending Machine Grant for Your Campus
Grants for a book vending machine are a very popular option for schools, as the cost of a machine and the stock can run over $6000. That is a lot of money to fundraise.
Before writing a grant proposal, you’ll need to know the cost of the book vending machine you plan on buying and the amount you’ll need to stock it. In your application, you’ll need to explain how you plan on using the money and why you need it. To improve your chances of getting the grant, outlining the many benefits to students is a good idea.
Grants for a book vending machine can come from many sources, including large corporations, national or local foundations (private and community-based), and even the government. The grant proposal should be filled out on behalf of the school, not a parent group or other third party, in order to ensure the tax-exempt status required for grant approval.
Final Thoughts
Book vending machine is an invaluable resources for students to improve their literacy and get excited about reading. They can also contribute to a literature-friendly school community and promote good behavior. Book vending machine will require a fair amount of investment, but with the right funding and management, every member of a school will appreciate the addition.
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