How It Started Vs. How It’s Going

Students recieve first books from updated Inchy's Bookworm Vending Machine

Has your child ever bounced off the bus with a smile on their face and a shiny new book in their hand? If so, you may have Inchy the Bookworm to thank. Inchy is the loveable cartoon inchworm from bookvending.com. For the last five years, his book vending machines have been taking ~~the country~~ the world by storm. But where did Inchy come from? Is he really getting kids excited about reading? Let’s take a moment, look back, and see how it started vs. how it’s going.

How It Started: One Idea, One Machine

It all started five years ago when an Assistant Principal from Arthur O. Eve School of Distinction #61 and Jason Blumberg came together to create a special vending machine for students. At the time, kids were facing literacy challenges and these gentlemen wanted to come up with a new way to help.

Jason, President and CEO of Global Vending Group Inc. (GVG) understood the assignment. Designed with custom sized spaces for picture books, chapter books, books in English, books in Spanish, or books in space—students always have a wide variety to choose from. He called it Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine.

Inchy the Bookworm may draw kids to the machine but it’s their own achievements and good behavior that earns students the ultimate prize—their very own brand-new book. Earning? That’s right. To earn a trip to the vending machine, students are awarded tokens for their accomplishments, achievements, or even a special birthday treat. Most cannot wait until it is their turn to get a token.

So that’s how it started. The idea was simple and ingenious. But did it do the job? Did it get the kids excited about reading? Keep reading to find out how it’s going.

Original book vending machine at Artur O. Eve School of Distinction #61

You won’t believe what happened next!

The machine was an overnight success! And the engagement rate has been remarkable!

It’s been five years and Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machines are still getting students excited about reading. Inchy the bookworm and the team at bookvending.com are proud to be a part of something greater than us.

Today you can find Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine in every U.S. State, plus more in Mexico and Canada. There are more than 7,000 units in use. And the ribbon cutting ceremonies have become a thing of legend.

Arthur O. Eve School of Distinction #61 Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

One teacher even reported her students were screaming and jumping up and down when their machine was revealed. Another teacher said that her students are more likely to choose a book token over candy, games, and other prizes. The joy and smiles from choosing a book and using the machine are heartwarming.

But Inchy isn’t finished yet.

How It’s Going

It’s back to school season 2023, and Inchy has returned to the place where it all started, the Arthur O. Eve School of Distinction #61. But that’s not all. He’s brought along a little surprise—a brand-new vending machine with custom artwork!

The ribbon cutting event was a star studded spectacular. Principal Nathaniel Barnes, Buffalo Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Tonja Williams, Jason Blumberg, students, teachers, parents, local news outlets, and Inchy The Bookworm were on hand to celebrate the unveiling of the school’s new book vending machine.

Following the ribbon cutting Guort, a student at the Arthur O. Eve School of Distinction #61 was invited to receive the very first book from the new machine. Guort was recognized for his excellence and dedication to reading throughout the previous school year. Principal Barnes stated that Diesel regularly exceeds the school’s monthly reading challenge. We’re all hoping Guort continues to break his reading record this school year.

How it started vs. How it’s Going: Glow-up Edition

That’s a pretty good glow-up for one little bookworm huh? We are very proud of how it started vs. how it’s going. Nobody could have predicted the reading revolution sparked by Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine. Social responsibility should be a big part of any company. That is why we take pride in using our resources to donate the updated machine. Together we can all take a step in the right direction towards literacy for all students. This program is just one way we can better prepare our children for the future ahead.

If you believe Inchy’s Book Vending Machine could be beneficial to your school, please call or email us anytime, we would be more than happy to help. Together we can promote literacy for all!