Free Kids Book Vending Machines Combat ‘Summer Slide’ In Newark

NEWARK, NJ — Five vending machines in Newark are set to begin giving out free children’s books to young residents – just in time for summer vacation.

On Tuesday, elected officials, authors and representatives from JetBlue gathered at the Newark Public Library on Washington Street to announce the launch of the airline’s “Soar With Reading” initiative.

Here’s how JetBlue’s five free digital book vending machines work, officials said:

“Each time someone visits a machine, they will have the opportunity to order an assortment of brand-new books that will be distributed to them throughout July and August, completely free of charge. The vending machines hold a diverse selection of titles and allows visitors the opportunity to search by various categories including title and author, as well as suggested reading level.”

According to city officials:

“The digital vending machines, powered by Ricoh, will feature titles with a diverse cast of characters as well as options in both English and Spanish. Titles will be updated periodically throughout the summer. Publishing partners include HarperCollins Publishers, Little Bee Books, Lil’ Libros, Lee & Low Books, Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House, TOKYO POP, and Simon & Schuster. Additionally, the vending machines will include select books for adults as research shows that parents displaying behaviors like reading can improve educational outcomes for children.”

To date, JetBlue, through its Soar with Reading initiative, has donated more than $4 million worth of books to children in need.

Vending machines are located at:

• La Casa de Don Pedro: 23 Broadway
• The Leaguers: 200 W. South Orange Avenue
• Newark Ironbound Recreation Center: 226 Rome Street
• Springfield Branch Library: 50 Hayes Street
• Van Buren Branch Library: 140 Van Buren Street

Susan Neuman, a professor of childhood and literacy education at NYU Steinhardt, said the books will help ease the infamous “summer slide,” which happens when students are out of the classrooms for months until the new school year.

“Studies have shown that owning 25 books or more has a sizable effect on achievement, with each additional increment of books, such as 10 or more, improving achievement,” Neuman said. “This program allows children to own books and combat the knowledge loss that so often accompanies summer.”

Mayor Ras Baraka said it’s important for children to “find themselves” – in stories and pictures – when they delve into the world of books.

“First we learn to read, then we read to learn,” said Baraka, a former teacher. “I want to thank our partners for providing our children with access to literature. This is a holistic approach to defining the future of our youth and in turn the future of our city.”

• See related article: Free 'Community Refrigerator' Debuts Near Newark School

U.S. Rep. Donald Payne Jr. (NJ-10), who represents towns and cities including Newark, was also present at Tuesday’s ribbon cutting ceremony. He shared a photo of the event on social media, writing:

“This morning, I was proud to participate in the Soar with Reading Launch event in Newark. Mayor Baraka and city officials are working with JetBlue to install five digital, book machines throughout Newark. Parents can use the machines to order free books and help children read throughout the summer. I have been a strong supporter of reading programs because improved reading skills help students perform better in other subjects.”

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