In a novel twist on boosting childhood literacy, Memphis is serving up books in the same way one might grab a snack or a can of soda. The Heal the Hood Foundation of Memphis has rolled out a series of book vending machines, providing a fun, innovative way for kids to access literature.

The new project, dubbed "Heroes of Literacy," features vending machines stocked with a slew of age-appropriate books to pique young readers' interest. These aren't your run-of-the-mill vending systems; children can earn gold tokens to swiftly retrieve a free book of their choosing. This reward-based system is designed not only to encourage reading but to also reward positive behavior in youths.

According to Action News 5, these literary dispensers have been installed at three educational institutions—Belle Forest Community School, Lowrance Elementary, and Hickory Hill Elementary—and the Laundry Supercenter on Winchester Road.

Heal the Hood will supervise these machines, restocking them with fresh titles through donations and sponsorships. The initiative is a partnership effort, having locked in support from Shelby County Commissioner Erika Sugarman, who provided the necessary funding to mobilize the project. In addition to traditional educational spaces, placing a machine in a community laundry center presents a unique opportunity to potentially freely embrace the joy of reading while managing the week's laundry.

A snippet from Inchy The Bookworm's X page exclaims excitement over the "#InchyStory" as the "Heroes of Literacy" vending machines come into the community's fold. Meanwhile, the Vending Times echoes the significance of this development, highlighting the creative collaboration that brought these machines from concept to functional literacy tools in Memphis.

📚 Exciting new #InchyStory ! Heal the Hood Foundation of Memphis introduces 'Heroes of Literacy' book vending machines. #bookvendinghttps://t.co/BCFQV0rY0T

— Inchy The Bookworm (@BookVending) May 3, 2024