Southwestern Elementary School recently installed a book vending machine in its maker space above the library. School librarian Cody Whitton said students selected as the Student of the Month are allowed to use a “golden token” to choose a book of their choice from the machine. Students are then able to keep the book.

Whitton said the idea came to him after he heard about other schools doing something similar.

“I saw it a couple of years ago on some librarian groups on social media that some schools out west were getting them and were seeing tremendous success with using it to promote positive behavior and promote a positive school climate, but also getting kids excited about reading,” Whitton said. “I saw that idea and I took to the administration here and is this something we can work on? They gave the green light and have been supportive from the very beginning. We went out and started some grant searching and finally got it.”

The book vending machine was delivered earlier this week, much to the excitement of the students and staff. Whitton reports that the students “love it.” Whitton said he made sure the vending machine was stocked with books he has seen the students reading and seem interested in.

Assistant Principal Matthew Kindberg said the book vending machine enhances the library.

“Like Cody said, we are really trying to enforce positive behavior and encourage our students to create a positive school climate here — particularly coming out of the pandemic. We’re really trying to hone in on the social-emotional needs of our students, and this is a great reward for that.”

Kindberg said it’s possible that other schools in the area might be interested in the idea. The vending machine at Southwestern Elementary is full of school pride as it features the school colors and the Trojan mascot.

“It’s not like a food vending machine that’s pretty sterile color wise, it’s a Southwestern specific thing,” he said.

Whitton said the response from students, staff and the community has been highly positive.

“Everything I’ve been seeing and hearing from families has been very positive,” he said. “They’re very excited. I’ve had local librarians that saw it and have already reached out to me, ‘How do you do this? We want it to do it, too.”

Kindberg said he is grateful to Whitton for his hard work in getting the vending machine to become a reality for the school.

“I want to say again thanks to Cody because this was really his vision,” he said. “He’s done a lot of leg work and a lot of research, so this is really a testament to his dedication to the elementary library and our students. This wouldn’t have happened without him.”

Whitton said while the initial round of books for the vending machine was purchased through pandemic stimulus funding, in the long term, the district will have to find other ways of securing books. He said if anyone in the community is interested in being a part of that, they can get in touch with him at the school at 716-664-1881.