Vending

Texas school distributes more than 1K books through vending machine

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October 8, 2026

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Hallsville West Elementary School in East Texas has distributed more than 1,000 books to students through its book vending machine, according to a KLTV News report. Greater Longview United Way recognized the school's achievement at a luncheon last week. The machine was funded through the organization's Read to Succeed grant program.

Each month, 38 students, one from each class, receive student-of-the-month recognition for demonstrating habits promoted through the school's Leader in Me program. After being honored at an assembly, they select a book from the machine in the main hallway. The school serves nearly 700 students.

Joyce Schneider, the school's librarian and technology media specialist, told the news outlet that the machine makes reading more exciting by giving students a game-like experience and a visible reward. She credited United Way's continued funding, library paraprofessional Ellie Warren and teachers for supporting the program and encouraging students to explore new books.