A.M. Kulp Elementary School Opens Book Vending Machine

North Penn School District•

A.M. Kulp Elementary School has opened a new vending machine — but it doesn’t take money. This new machine sells only books, and the payment is positive behavior.

As part of the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program across the North Penn School District, students are recognized for showing positive behavior. Students at A.M. Kulp focus on "be” statements: be positive, be respectful, and be responsible. When students exemplify those statements, staff members hand out "Cougar Paws,” which are tickets that can be redeemed for various prizes. Students can now put their Cougar Paws in the drawing for vending machine tokens to get their very own book. When a student purchases a book, it is theirs to take home and keep forever.

This vending machine is the realization of a years-long dream from librarian Alyssa Nedorezov, who had been searching for a way to help students grow their home libraries. When students read both in and out of school, their reading comprehension skills grow, and students become life-long readers. Through Title I funding and the support of the A.M. Kulp Home and School Association, the machine is now placed in the school lobby and ready for students to make their purchases.

"Having the book vending machine in the front lobby of our school provides yet another avenue to get books in the hands of students, helping to bridge the gap between engagement and literacy,” said Nedorezov. "This allows students to build upon their own personal libraries at home, encouraging good reading habits in all aspects of their lives.”

The vending machine is stocked with books for all ages, serving the students of A.M. Kulp from kindergarten through sixth grade. Books are purchased through Title I funding, book fair proceeds, Home and School Association support, and community donations.