Ira Cross Receives Book Vending Machine

Reading is getting a welcomed boost at Ira Cross Elementary School.

The school on Monday unveiled Killeen ISD’s first book vending machine.

The large, colorful machine sits just inside the entrance to the school library. Behind the clear glass, for all to see, are a variety of books from the longer chapter variety to the easy-reader kind.

Ira Cross Elementary School received a $9,150 grant from Atmos Energy, already a major supporter of the KISD Education Foundation, to receive the vending machine.?

Principal Tomas Sias and Librarian Barbara McYoung said the machine, which has already drawn curiosity among students, will serve as motivation for reading, as well as attendance, citizenship, academic performance, and perhaps other positive behavior.

The first students to receive tokens and choose a book from the machine to keep were the students of the month for November nominated by teachers based on specific character traits.

Students of the month from August and September are also set to receive tokens for books.

In addition, the librarian has developed a program for third- through fifth-graders to earn a token when they complete projects based on books they read.

“The idea is to encourage them to read independently and to remember what they read,” she said.

“I love that kids can pick a book to take home – that it’s theirs to keep.”

With representatives of Atmos Energy, Superintendent Jo Ann Fey and other district and campus leaders standing by, the students took their time, choosing a book, slipping in their token, and watching the machine push their chosen volume off the shelf.

The grant paid for the machine and filled it with books. School book fair proceeds, an existing fundraiser and donations will continue to keep it stocked.

Fifth-grader Aiden Prado said he chose a book called “Allergic,” because it is a graphic novel and featured a child with a pet on the cover.

“I have graphic novels,” he said. “I like books about soccer and about fulfilling success.”

He said a book vending machine is a good idea and figured his friends would be excited and motivated to earn a token to get a free book.

“I think it’s great,” he said. “I’m surprised we are the only school in Killeen that has one.”