Kingsford Elementary received a special present today as the school unveiled a new Bookworm vending machine.
The machine dispenses books in exchange for gold coins, which students will earn as a reading incentive. The machine will stay at Kingsford for a while before rotating to other PCPS Title I schools.
“I strongly believe students should have books in their hands and in their homes to develop their love of reading,” said Amy Santangelo, assistant principal of Kingsford Elementary. “The book vending machine is an exciting way to distribute books to our students!”
The specially branded Bookworm machine was donated by Reading with Erma and MidFlorida Credit Union. Reading with Erma is a nonprofit program created by PCPS volunteer April Taylor and her reading therapy dog, Erma.
“Promoting a love of reading from an early age with (MidFlorida’s) Gift of Reading program is something we’re proud to offer, said Vanessa Hernandez, chief of retail delivery for MidFlorida Credit Union. “We’re happy to work with Reading with Erma to provide another way for kids to have access to books.”
Thanks again to April Taylor, Erma and the MidFlorida team!