Yes, libraries and bookstores are great, but Hampstead Central School wanted another way of getting books into the hands of its students.
So the school installed a vending machine.
Superintendent Robert Thompson said it’s been a hit with students. Here’s how it works.
Students in the elementary school earn gold coins from their teachers for exhibiting good behavior. Each month, the school focuses on a specific behavior that they’re trying to promote, such as collaboration, self-control, or being a good friend. Once they’ve won a coin, the students can cash it in at the vending machine for a book of their choice.
“It is wildly popular with students, teachers, and parents,’’ said Thompson. “It’s really kind of created this hype at the elementary school.’’
Thompson said the school used federal Title IV funds for the initial purchase of the machine and for one refill of books. A Hampstead mothers’ club has raised additional money for purchasing more books, and the school has an Amazon wish list where parents can buy books to restock the machine, according to Thompson.
Located by the school’s main office, the book vending machine looks much like the kind that distributes snacks or soda, with over 20 different colorful titles visible behind a pane of glass.
Thompson said teachers and students weighed in on the most popular titles to make sure the selection is as irresistible as possible.
“It checks two boxes,’’ he said. “One is it supports literacy and gets kids excited about reading. But two, the idea of using the gold coin to see desirable behaviors supports some of the work that we’re doing around kids’ mental health and well-being.’’
Amanda Gokee can be reached at amanda.gokee@globe.com. Follow her @amanda_gokee.
