Excitement is buzzing in the front entryway of Tri County Elementary, where a new, special kind of vending machine has been installed—not for snacks or drinks, but for books! Thanks to a generous grant from READ Nebraska and support from our TeamMates program, our Book Vending Machine offers students a unique and rewarding way to bring home new books of their choice.
Unlike a regular vending machine, this one doesn’t take money; it only accepts special gold coins, which students earn by demonstrating TC Pride through positive actions and good choices. Every student has the opportunity to earn a coin and select a book, encouraging not only a love for reading but also reinforcing the values we cherish at Tri County.
This initiative is especially meaningful for students involved in the READ Nebraska program, which is now in its second year. READ Nebraska is a state initiative focused on building mentorship relationships and improving literacy for third through fifth graders. These students, many of whom were preschool to early elementary students during the COVID-19 pandemic, faced unique challenges in their early learning years. The READ Nebraska program, in partnership with TeamMates, provides them with extra support and opportunities, like earning additional gold coins, to help them grow their reading skills and build a love for books.
The vending machine offers a range of titles—from colorful picture books to exciting chapter books—ensuring that students at different reading levels can find something they’re excited to read. Our first student to use the machine was Mia Wollenburg, who earned her gold coin by demonstrating exceptional integrity. After finding a $20 bill on the ground, Mia turned it in—a true example of TC Pride in action! Mia was thrilled to pick out a brand-new book to take home and enjoy.
This Book Vending Machine is more than just a fun addition to our school; it’s a way to celebrate and inspire students to make positive choices, show kindness, and develop a love of reading that will last a lifetime. We are grateful to READ Nebraska and our TeamMates program for making this possible and look forward to seeing our students’ pride and reading skills grow with every gold coin earned.
