Penguin-backed book vending machine opens in Greenwich celebrating Chase school libraries roll-out

The Penguin Books-backed Chase school libraries programme has extended to 18 schools across Greenwich. The roll-out was celebrated in Fossdene Primary School with authors Kate Pankhurst and Dan Freedman unveiling a revamped library and a new book vending machine, supported by tokens for good behaviour.

The financial services firm’s project is run in partnership with the National Literacy Trust (NLT) and supported by Penguin Random House. It has reached Greenwich for the first time this year, training 36 teachers, improving libraries in 18 primary schools and benefitting more than 7,600 children across the borough.

As part of the celebrations, a new book vending machine was installed at the newly renovated library at Fossdene Primary School in Eltham. The facility is stocked with 150 specially curated books that children can redeem with tokens they have been awarded for positive behaviour, “transforming reading for every child by making it a rewarding and accessible experience, encouraging them to read more frequently,” project organisers said.

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. Last month Penguin’s Lit in Colour campaign installed a book vending machine in a secondary school in Scotland.

To celebrate, the new library and vending machine were unveiled to pupils by Freedman, author of Unstoppable (David Fickling) and the Jamie Johnson series (Scholastic), and Pankhurst, bestselling author and illustrator of the Fantastically Great Women series (Bloomsbury).

The school’s deputy headteacher Joanne Bradley 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 us 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.

“It will send a strong message that reading is valued and celebrated within our school community – a visual reminder of the importance of reading as a regular habit.”

Freedman said: “The impact of what Chase and The National Literacy Trust are providing for the pupils at Fossdene Primary School will be felt for generations to come. I’m so excited to see the library and book vending machine and to discuss the immense power and enjoyment of books and words with the pupils.”

Deborah Keay, UK chief marketing officer at 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.”

Building on a successful first two years, this year Chase expanded the programme to four new areas (Belfast, Glasgow, Greenwich (London) and Liverpool), while also providing additional support to three existing regions (Edinburgh, Manchester and Cardiff). Since launching its school libraries programme, Chase has renovated 412 libraries, impacting more than 138,000 pupils.

This year’s programme includes the creation of 100 new and enhanced reading spaces, including six brand new libraries and 94 enhanced reading spaces in primary schools across the UK. Penguin Random House donated 40,000 books and 200 teachers have been trained with a reading-for-pleasure strategy and creating powerful reading role models in the school community.