High School Debuts New Book Vending Machine
English Department Chairperson Ms. Bulla and librarians Ms. Sherman and Ms. Speer stand in front of the new book vending machine outside the main office on A floor.
November 14, 2022
A new book vending machine for students was introduced at a ribbon cutting ceremony on October 7.
The vending machine is located on A floor near the main office and the machine is sponsored by the Humanities program, English Department, and the library.
This vending machine, however, does not accept money but rather uses tokens. Tokens will be given to English teachers to distribute to students. Each marking period, the library will give teachers more tokens to give to their students. These tokens are not intended to be used as rewards for good grades or behavior; they are simply to promote learning and reading among students. Students can take their token to the book vending machine and get any available book of their choice.
Funds from the school store have been used to create and stock the machine and the yearly Scholastic book fair will also contribute to buying more books.
“We offer so many reading opportunities here, but there’s something about owning your own book. Studies have shown that students who own their own books increase their reading levels and education mobility, and see themselves as readers,” said Ms Sherman, school librarian. We work together here at M-W, and I think that’s what makes this so special. — Ms. Sherman
“In 2013, we [English and history department teachers] formed connections to other schools at the NYS English Council Conference, which led us to create the Humanities program. Out of these connections we came up with further ideas with other English directors who suggested a book vending machine,” said Ms Bulla, the high school’s English Department Chair.
The new representatives of the Humanities Coalition were present to cut the ribbon and unveil the book vending machine to the school. This Humanities Coalition is made up of five students that were selected from among students within the Humanities program.
“The ribbon cutting was awesome, it’s exciting to see the Humanities program doing more stuff in the school,” said Caden Taber, junior Humanities Representative.
In addition to support from the current administration, the library and English department credit Mr. Kaste and Ms. Hock, both former principals of Monroe-Woodbury High School, for their help in supporting the addition of the book vending machine.
“We work together here at M-W, and I think that’s what makes this so special,” said Ms. Sherman.
