Decatur elementary school opens book vending machine

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - As a way to celebrate student success and promote literacy, Parson Elementary School opened its new book vending machine.

The project started a couple of years ago when the school saw a book vending machine. Principal Holly Kitson said parents and the school started to raise funds to purchase a vending machine.

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"There is something about having a book in your hands that is all yours and I think it will make a difference to our students when they get to pick something out that piques their interest," she said.

Students earn gold coins to "purchase" a book in the machine. Principal Kitson said students can earn gold coins in two ways. One way is by being nominated by a teacher or by getting student-of-the-month.

"We have to acknowledge our kids who are doing well and we have to promote reading and literacy."

Principal Kitson said they can keep the vending machine stocked by using Scholastic Dollars from the book fair.