A New Chapter in Learning: Book Vending Machines

Book vending machines are transformative literacy tools that turn reading into an experience students look forward to. Schools across the country are using them as part of larger efforts to build reading culture, support PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) programs, and encourage student choice.

Book vending machines also offer a perfect interface to celebrate good behavior, encourage reading milestones, or simply promote the joy of storytelling. They are helping cultivate confident, curious, and engaged readers one book at a time.

Many schools, like South Charlotte’s  Quail Hollow Middle School, use token-based systems, where students earn tokens through good behavior, academic achievements, or attendance milestones, turning reading into a reward. 

When Amanda Sordo, librarian at Northeast Elementary School in Ankeny, Iowa, first imagined a vending machine that could reward students with books, it was more than a fun idea – it was a mission. She wanted to promote kindness, encourage reading, and celebrate literacy in her school. But she didn’t want the process to be complicated. That’s where Vending.com came in.

From the beginning, Amanda worked closely with Vending.com to bring her vision to life. She knew that design mattered as much as the books inside, so she invited her students to participate. They created artwork for the machine, and the winning design now wraps the machine that sits proudly in their school.

What started as an idea has since become a centerpiece of inspiration. The book vending machine at Northeast Elementary rewards students for positive behavior with tokens they can use to “buy” books of their choice. No coins, no checkout, just the joy of receiving a book they can take home and call their own.

When librarian Amanda Sordo partnered with Vending.com, one of her top priorities was to ensure that the machine reflected the heart of the school community. That meant making the experience personal from the very design.

“It was really important for the kids to have a big part in the design process. None of the other schools are even thinking of using the kids’ artwork like that. It turned out a lot better than I expected.” –Amanda Sordo

Through a schoolwide art contest and community voting, the students helped design the machine wrap for themselves. The winning artwork now proudly covers the vending machine, making it not just a literacy tool but a true visual centerpiece. This level of customization, from student art to school logos and mascots, turns each machine into something uniquely meaningful for the school it serves.

Inside the machine, the customization continues. With adjustable trays, the machine at Northeast Elementary can hold everything from picture books to chapter novels, meeting the reading needs of a diverse student population.

Whether you aim to promote a district-wide literacy initiative, reinforce positive behavior, or simply make reading more exciting, Vending.com allows you to bring your vision to life.

“It was easy and accommodating. All of the questions were answered quickly, and Vending.com worked fast. The process of adding the artwork to the machine was also a simple task.” –Amanda Sordo

Bring your literacy mission to life. Customize your book vending machine today with Vending.com and make reading irresistible for your students!

When Northeast Elementary School librarian Amanda Sordo imagined turning a vending machine into a tool for literacy and kindness, Vending.com brought that vision to life quickly, easily, and with full support every step of the way.

At Vending.com, we’re committed to walking with our customers every step of the way—from vision to installation and beyond.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• U.S.-Made Machines with Custom Branding

  Your machine can be wrapped in school colors, mascots, or even student artwork, just like Northeast Elementary’s, where students designed the winning graphics themselves.

• Durable Design Built for High-Traffic Areas

  Our machines are made in the USA and built to last, even in the busiest hallways or community spaces.

• Lifetime U.S.-Based Support and Maintenance

  You’re never alone. Our support team and Vendnet service partners are here to walk you through setup, troubleshooting, and beyond.

• Flexible Financing Options

  We offer tailored financing plans that work for school budgets, PTA fundraisers, and nonprofit grants, making book vending accessible for everyone.

“Whether you’re rewarding kindness, promoting literacy, or giving kids a reason to smile, Vending.com made it easy,” Amanda said. “We’re already seeing how excited students are to earn books. It’s creating a positive ripple effect in our school.” –Amanda Sordo

Ready to bring a book vending machine to your school? Call us at 855-596-1838 to learn more and to get a custom quote today!