Reading comes with a fun twist via new book vending machine

There are no soda cans or bags of chips in this vending machine. Instead, it holds something a bit more special — something that can inspire a lifelong passion for exploring the world, learning more about connecting with others and dreaming big when it comes to the future.

The newest vending machine at Alta Vista Elementary School dispenses a selection of free books for young readers.

Members of the Sarasota Yacht Club's youth Ensign Board recently made it their mission to install the book-vending machine, and on Jan. 13, they celebrated the unveiling with staff and students.

Lilliana Sultana, the board's junior vice commodore, said it was a special moment to witness the students' joy.

"It was so cool to see how happy they were," she said. "It felt very fulfilling to see that they love it so much."

Calista Ream, who led the Ensign board when the project first launched, said they found inspiration for the project last spring through her mother's work with the school's literary board. Becky Henry, a 5th-grade teacher at the school, holds the title of Alta Vista's Teacher of the Year 2025.

Ream brought the project idea to the Ensign Board, and the youth leaders decided to run with it.

The day of the unveiling, four students tried out the machine and, after some eager jumps of anticipation, walked away with their own copies of "Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Deep End."

Principal Meredith McArthur said the school is grateful to receive the vending machine because it not only gets books in the hands of more students, but also brings the excitement factor to winning a prize they get to keep. She noted that the contribution is especially meaningful to the Title 1 school.

"To see their genuine excitement when that book comes down and the thrill of the moment, that's the most important piece," she said. "They're making decisions about what book they want to get when they get their coin. What I love most is that they get to say, 'This is MY book.'"

Ream said the Ensign Board covered 100% of the installation costs with the support of SYC Cares -- the yacht club's fundraising organization -- and has donors lined up to help keep the machine stocked.

Inchy's Bookworm Vending Machine is the company that provides the customizable vending machines. According to the company, they have reached more than 10,000 schools and dispensed more than 12.6 million books.

The personalized Alta Vista machine shows off the school's eagle mascot happily perched on a pile of books, burying his beak in his book of choice. The accompanying logo reads, "Eagles soar when they read more!"

Literacy coach Bonnie Michaels encourages parents and guardians to foster a love of learning by asking their children questions about what they're reading.

"We want them to talk about the setting and characters and sequence of events going on through the story," she said. "When you think about how a character changes from beginning to end and where their perspective is coming from, it engages the kids in the conversation."

The book selection includes titles aimed at readers of all ages. Choices include books by beloved illustrator Eric Carle, most widely known for his vibrant tissue-paper-style pictures featured in "The Very Hungry Caterpillar." Students can also find newer titles, such as the nonfiction "Hidden Figures" story about the space race.

Sarasota Yacht Club Commodore Robert Milligan said he is proud to see how the youth leaders saw the project through to the end.

SYC Cares board member Roy Grossman added, "It's an example of the club being able to give back to the community. When you see these adorable children able to benefit, there is no greater feeling."

Future projects

So, what is next for the SYC Ensign Board?

Now that they have experience working with the vending machine company, the young leaders hope to help consult with other Title 1 schools in the Sarasota area about future installations. But they are also looking at undertakings with other local institutions.

With the support of SYC Cares, the charitable arm of the yacht club, Ream said they are exploring a project to create a bridge between SPARCC and Child Protection Center, Inc.

Correction: Lilliana Sultana is currently serving as junior vice commodore of the SYC Ensign Board, and Calista Ream is the past junior commodore.