Nov. 22, 2024 -- At the start of the school year, Heights High students noticed a brand new vending machine sitting right outside of the library. But this vending machine is full of books instead of snacks or drinks and only accepts tokens that students can earn as a reward for their positive behaviors.

Amy Bloomberg, a librarian for the high school, first saw and learned about book vending machines at a librarian conference last school year and she instantly fell in love with the concept and wanted to bring it to Cleveland Heights High School.

“Typically they are used in elementary schools but I really thought our kids would love to have the chance to ‘earn’ books’,” said Mrs. Bloomberg. “People often incorrectly assume that teens don’t read!”

Upon her return from the conference, a survey was shared with students to gauge their interest in Heights High having a book vending machine, where they would want it to be located, and what types of books they would like to see in it. And the responses to the survey were full of positive feedback and suggestions of what books they would be interested in earning. 

The excitement from the survey responses has carried over this school year as more and more students have taken notice of the vending machine and have begun to ask how they can get a book themselves.

Currently, the library is using it as a positive incentive for students to return their library books. Students who do not have overdue books have the chance to be selected in the library’s weekly drawing to receive a token for the vending machine. 

“But I don’t want it to just be a library thing, which is why we chose to place it outside of the library,” Bloomberg shared. “We would love to see it used as rewards for many different things.”

The librarians and Heights High’s PBIS team, who provided funding to fill the vending machine, are looking into ways to expand how students can earn a token. An example being when students get a positive referral, a token for the book vending machine could be one of their Heights “swag” options.

Or in the case of three young ladies, acknowledgement from one of the school’s Deans of Students for being all-around good students and for always helping staff and their fellow peers. “They help Ms. Mims with student activities and for Students of Promise,” said Willie Newton. “And have always been eager to help new students get acclimated to the school building.”

Mrs. Bloomberg recalls how excited they were to have the opportunity to choose a book. “The three girls stood there at the machine and had great conversations about the books in the machine and which ones they were interested in. It was a difficult choice for them!”