Book vending machine an eye-catching highlight of Greenwich library upgrades
More than 7,600 pupils across 18 primary schools in Greenwich have been welcomed back to a new school year with improved libraries and over 7,000 new books.
But one school in particular is benefiting from an initiative to improve access to books – Fossdene Primary in Victoria Road – which has had its library completely renovated with a book-vending machine stocked with 150 books that children can redeem with tokens awarded for good behaviour in class.
Fossdene Primary School is one of four libraries in England receiving a book vending machine this year, with further machines being installed in schools across Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
To celebrate, the new library and vending machine were unveiled to pupils by Dan Freedman, author of Unstoppable and the Jamie Johnson series, and Kate Pankhurst, best-selling author and illustrator of the Fantastically Great Women series.
In partnership with the National Literacy Trust and supported by Penguin Books, the Chase school libraries programme aims to help improve access to school libraries in under-resourced communities throughout the UK. The programme has also trained 36 teachers in the area with guidance on how they can inspire a love of reading amongst school children.
Joanne Bradley, Fossdene Primary School’s deputy headteacher said: “Our recent library installation has enthused many of our children to discover the world of stories and information. Reading for pleasure is a priority for Fossdene and the book vending machine will support with this, with children able to earn a token for showing positive behaviour, an act of kindness or when they have achieved a learning goal.”
Mr Freedman, a Sunday Times best-selling children’s author, said: “Reading has the potential to unlock the world for all of us. The impact of what Chase and The National Literacy Trust are providing for the pupils at Fossdene will be felt for generations to come.”
Deborah Keay, chief executive of Chase, said: “We are thrilled to bring the project to Greenwich for the first time, providing improved libraries and innovative technology like the vending machines – so we can put books directly into the hands of young children and foster a lifelong love of learning.”
Andrew Ettinger, director of education at the National Literacy Trust said: “At a time when one in eight children from disadvantaged backgrounds do not have a single book of their own at home, it is critically important for every primary school to have a dedicated reading space.”
Pictured top: Pupils at Fossdene enjoying their revamped library (Picture: Kieran Cleeves/PA Media Assignments)