Book vending machine arrives at Farmin Stidwell Elementary

SANDPOINT — Plenty of consequential events were unfolding eight years ago: political shifts, social movements and global challenges. That same year, Farmin Stidwell Elementary Principal Betsy Dalessio dedicated herself to raising the funds — called the “dream account” — to bring the first-ever book vending machine to Lake Pend Oreille School District. 

Many years later, she succeeded. The 550-pound machine was unveiled this month to the delight and fascination of Farmin students. And it’s a great way to promote literacy. 

“Betsy’s dedication to her students is absolutely amazing,” said Dr. Becky Meyer, LPOSD superintendent. “It is such an innovative way to encourage reading.” 

These machines function similarly to traditional vending machines, but instead of snacks or drinks, they "dispense" books. Students browse a selection of books displayed on shelves and use a token to make their choice, which becomes available for them to take from a bottom tray. 

Tokens are awarded when kids display growth — improving, fixing behavior, arriving at school on time.  

“We want to reward kids with brand new books,” Dalessio said. “Staff can award kids a token for anything they see, and we hope that every kid will get a chance to get one book throughout the year.” 

Dalessio thanked Litehouse Foods for kicking off the fundraising journey seven years ago with a generous $1,500 donation, and all of the subsequent donations — big and small — her book vending machine dream account received along the way.

    The machine's arrival marked the culmination of eight years of fundraising spearheaded by Dalessio and supported by Litehouse Foods and other donors.