Buncombe County, North Carolina, August 21, 2025
News Summary
Buncombe County Schools in North Carolina are enhancing literacy resources for students by introducing innovative book vending machines. With an additional ten machines following last year’s donation, students at schools like Sand Hill-Venable Elementary can earn tokens for academic and behavioral achievements to select and keep books. This initiative encourages a love of reading while promoting inclusivity among diverse learners. Community support through programs like Firefighters for Literacy further enriches the students’ experience.
Buncombe County, North Carolina is at the forefront of a dynamic literacy initiative with the recent introduction of innovative book vending machines in local schools. Following the generous donation of 10 fully-stocked machines last year by donors Paul and Sue Romesburg, an additional 10 machines are set to be rolled out this year, significantly enhancing the literacy resources available to students.
One of the schools benefiting from this initiative is Sand Hill-Venable Elementary School, which has proudly introduced a book vending machine named “Inchy the Bookworm.” This machine is stocked with a diverse selection of literature, including popular titles in the realms of adventure and humor like “Goosebumps” and “Pig the Pug.” The aim of the vending machine is to promote reading for enjoyment among students while recognizing their academic and behavioral achievements.
At Sand Hill-Venable, each student receives a special birthday gift in the form of a book, fostering a lifelong love of reading. To acquire their books, students earn tokens through various milestones, including academic performance and positive behavior interventions. This reward system encourages students to engage with books and creates a personal connection, as they can select their own reading material and keep it, inscribing their names inside.
Principal Angela Gwyn highlighted the initiative’s essential goal: ensuring that every student receives a book for their birthday. Tokens can be earned not only on birthdays but also as rewards for achieving academic goals and demonstrating positive behavior. This approach not only encourages reading but also helps instill a sense of pride and accomplishment within the student body.
The effort also takes into account the need for cultural and linguistic inclusivity. Approximately one-quarter of the student population at Sand Hill-Venable is learning English as a second language, making visual aids, such as illustrated graphic novels, vital for their literacy development. These considerations underscore the overall message that reading serves as a leveling tool for all students, allowing them to thrive both academically and personally.
The whimsical vending machine experience is further enhanced by its interactive features; it has the ability to speak when buttons are pressed. This novelty is drawing attention and excitement from the students, who eagerly anticipate the chance to engage with the vending machines during school hours. In addition to the local initiatives occurring at schools, community support for literacy continues to flourish. The Asheville Fire Department contributes to this outreach through its Firefighters for Literacy Program, where firefighters volunteer their time weekly to read to students.
Restocking efforts for the book vending machines will be aided by the Buncombe County Schools Foundation, which plans to accept donations of gently used books. This sustainable approach aims not only to maintain the availability of resources but also to encourage a culture of sharing and collective growth among students.
Overall, this initiative represents a significant step toward fostering a culture of reading and literacy within Buncombe County schools. The incorporation of creative technologies and incentives not only engages students but also empowers them to build their own libraries at home, thereby nurturing a sense of ownership over their reading journeys.
FAQ
What are book vending machines?
Book vending machines are automated units that dispense books instead of snacks or drinks, providing students easy access to reading materials.
How are tokens earned by students?
Students can earn tokens through academic achievements, positive behavior, and as a birthday gift, which they can use to select books from the vending machines.
What types of books are available in the vending machines?
The vending machines offer a diverse range of books, including popular titles and graphic novels suited to different reading levels and interests.
Are there any other literacy programs supporting students?
Yes, the Asheville Fire Department participates in the Firefighters for Literacy Program, where firefighters read to students weekly, further encouraging reading habits.
How will the vending machines be restocked?
Restocking will be managed by the Buncombe County Schools Foundation, which will accept donations of gently used books to ensure a continuous supply.
Key Features of the Literacy Initiative
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Book Vending Machines | Automated units that dispense books for students to select and keep. |
| Token System | Students earn tokens for academic achievements and positive behavior to select books. |
| Diverse Book Selection | Includes popular literature and graphic novels to cater to varying reading interests. |
| Birthday Gifts | Every student receives a book as a birthday gift to promote reading. |
| Community Support | Firefighters participate in reading programs to further encourage literacy. |
| Sustainability Efforts | Book vending machines will be restocked with donations of gently used books. |
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Additional Resources
- 828 News Now: Vending Machines Send Buncombe Students on Endless Adventures
- WLOS: Buncombe County Schools Book Vending Machines
- The Assembly: Science of Reading Education
- WLOS: Asheville Firefighters for Literacy Program
- WLOS: Crisis in the Classroom
- Wikipedia: Literacy
- Google Search: Buncombe County Schools Literacy
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
