Vending

Greenwood schools use vending machines to promote reading

Photo: Adobe Stock

September 4, 2025

Greenwood Community Schools in Indiana have installed book vending machines at all four of its elementary schools to encourage reading and improve literacy, according to a WRTV report. The initiative, made possible through a partnership with Williams Comfort Air and Mr. Plumber, allows students to receive a free book from the machine with a special coin.

The machines are intended to spark a love of reading in children by making the process of getting a book exciting and easy. "Reading is so important, and studies show that 20 minutes a day increases a student's opportunity to perform better on assessments later in life," Beth Henry, principal, Southwest Elementary School, told the news outlet. "It's financially rewarding. There are so many opportunities that come from knowing how to read."

Students have responded positively to the new machines, with many expressing excitement about the lights and the variety of books available. The project is an effort to get students to put aside technology and pick up a book.