Thanks to a grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) secured by Illinois State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel, we now have a book vending machine in Children’s Services! Children age 0–grade 5 can earn a free book from the vending machine when they achieve reading milestones through our 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten and Reading Dragons & Friends reading programs.

A young girl in winter clothes stands smiling and holding a book in front of a book vending machine decorated with colorful dragon graphics.

A young girl stands indoors holding a book in front of a brightly lit book vending machine labeled "Reading Dragons & Friends.

The machine works like a traditional snack vending machine. However, our book vending machine only accepts a special token. Children can earn a token in the following ways:

  • Reaching the 500 and 1,000 books read milestones for 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
  • Completing a season (360 minutes of reading) of Reading Dragons & Friends 

We are so excited for this fun and unique addition to our library. Visit the Children’s Services Desk for more information on 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten and Reading Dragons & Friends and to sign up for these programs!