DIVE IN. Lakeshore Elementary School recently unveiled its new book vending machine, offering a new way to engage students with reading. (Submitted photo)

While the school year is winding down, Eau Claire’s Lakeshore Elementary School had one more surprise for its students before saying farewell for summer vacation: a brand-new vending machine. In place of sweet and salty snacks, this machine specializes in satiation of the mind – through books!

The official unveiling of Lakeshore Elementary’s book vending machine – gifted by Trust Point Wealth Management Company – was held on May 23 at the school. The token-operated machine is stocked with books of various genres and reading levels, according to a recent media release.

Tokens are awarded to students by their teachers and school staff, whether as a gift for their birthday, good deeds, or earned through classroom activities.

Trust Point also donated a book vending machine to Eau Claire’s Flynn Elementary earlier in May as well, joining a handful of other area schools already host to literacy-focused machines, including Meadowview Elementary and Sherman Elementary.

For ongoing updates and announcements from the area-elementary schools, visit the Eau Claire Area School District website online: www.ecasd.us.