New book vending machine unveiled in Martin County

STUART, Fla. (CBS12) — Inside the cafeteria at J. D. Park Elementary School in Stuart is an innovative way to encourage literacy throughout the Martin County School District.

CBS12 News received an exclusive first look at a one-of-a-kind book vending machine that was installed Wednesday by the Education Foundation of Martin County, a non-profit organization that works to enrich and enhance the quality of education for students and educators in Martin County's public schools.

Students gathered inside the cafeteria, peeking inside the vending machine to see which book they wanted to unlock first.

"I just thought it was pretty cool," said Luke, an elementary student at J.D. Parker. "I've never really seen one, my entire life."

About 100 books can fit into the unique vending machine. There are storybooks and chapter books. Books about Clifford the Big Red Dog and dragons. Books with inspiring stories and books about planetary voyages.

"We couldn't be more excited to have this opportunity," said Principal Nicole Rathnaw. "Literacy is so important for our students, so that, they can continue grown and learn."

Students who show good behavior can earn a gold coin that buys them a book from the cafeteria vending machine. But unlike the books students borrow from the library, these books don’t need to be returned.

Once the vending machines were revealed, students were all very excited and spent the morning looking at the selection.

The novelty of the vending machine, Education Foundation of Martin County members said, gets students excited about reading inside and outside the classroom.