This year, the Dixon Elementary PTO partnered with the school to further enhance excitement around literacy for young readers by introducing a Book Vending Machine! The machine operates on a token system and the nearly 700 students at the school will receive a token for a free, new book on their birthday courtesy of the PTO. 

"We are thrilled to introduce our Book Vending Machine to Dixon Elementary School," said Principal, Luke Sadowski. "Reading is a fundamental skill, and we are always looking for innovative ways to foster a lifelong love for books in our students. This vending machine is an exciting addition to our school, and we believe it will encourage our students to read more and explore the world through the pages of books."

The purchase of the Inchy’s Bookworm Book Vending Machine was made possible by contributions from Dixon families and staff. Dixon PTO Co-President Sara Monty shared her enthusiasm, stating, "it was really important to us that every student got one just for being a student at Dixon. By providing every student with a book on their birthday, we are conveying the message that every child's education journey is valuable, and the world of books is open to them regardless of external factors like educational achievement or behavioral expectations”.  

The state-of-the-art device is designed to make books more accessible to students, and it provides a fun and convenient way for students to discover and enjoy new books. “The machine offers a diverse range of reading materials, from picture books for young learners to chapter books for older students,” reflected PTO Co-President Carey Drees. Though the initial purchase of the machine was made by the Dixon PTO, new books will continue to be stocked in the machine using ‘Scholastic Dollars’ that are earned through purchases made at the school’s Scholastic Book Fairs held each fall and spring.  

This innovative machine promises to promote literacy, engage young readers, and foster a love for books within the school community. You can also read the Waukesha Freeman’s coverage of the new Book Vending Machine here.