Penguin, a renowned publishing house, has recently introduced a unique book vending machine at Linlithgow Academy in Scotland. This innovative vending machine is stocked with 70 different titles from Penguin’s Lit in Colour reading lists, featuring works by celebrated authors such as Salman Rushdie, Toni Morrison, and Arundhati Roy. The primary aim of this initiative is to enhance the students‘ love for reading by providing easy access to a diverse range of books.
Out of over 800 applications received from schools across the UK, Linlithgow Academy was selected to host this special vending machine. The school’s commitment to promoting literacy and fostering a reading culture made it a perfect fit for this project. The vending machine is free to use and will be managed by teachers through a token system, ensuring that students have the opportunity to explore and enjoy the wide selection of books available.
Penguin has generously donated more than 900 books for the vending machine, while Picador has contributed 150 copies of Jackie Kay’s works, including titles like „May Day“ and „Red Dust Road.“ To celebrate the installation of the vending machine, Jackie Kay, a prominent author and poet, engaged in an in-conversation event at the school with Dr. Lesley Nelson from The Runnymede Trust, a leading race equality think tank. This event provided students and teachers with the opportunity to learn more about Kay’s writing journey and her latest poetry collection, „May Day.“
Dr. Zaahida Nabagereka, senior social impact manager and head of Lit in Colour, emphasized the importance of inclusivity in literature, stating that the vending machine is part of Penguin’s ongoing efforts to make English literature education in UK schools more diverse and representative of writers of color. By providing access to a wide range of stories and authors that reflect the diversity of modern British society, the vending machine aims to broaden students‘ perspectives and enrich their reading experiences.
Picador, the publisher of Jackie Kay, expressed their support for the Lit in Colour campaign and their pride in sharing Kay’s work with young readers. They highlighted their commitment to reaching a broad readership and acknowledged the pivotal role that schools play in achieving this goal. This collaboration between Penguin, Picador, and schools underscores the collective effort to promote reading, diversity, and inclusivity in literature.
This initiative at Linlithgow Academy follows the successful launch of a similar Penguin vending machine at Exeter St Davids station earlier this year. The positive reception and impact of these vending machines demonstrate the value of making books more accessible and engaging for readers of all ages and backgrounds. As the literary landscape continues to evolve, initiatives like these play a crucial role in fostering a love for reading and celebrating the richness of diverse voices in literature.