Pine Grove Elementary School (PGES) is giving students a new way to dive into the world of books with the launch of a Book Nook, a cozy reading corner complete with a Book Vending Machine, comfortable seating and shelves brimming with books ready to be shared.

The initiative, aimed at fostering a love of reading among students, was officially unveiled on Aug. 14 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Student Brycen Newsome had the honor of cutting the ribbon and making the first deposit in the Book Vending Machine, which offers a wide selection of popular books. This unique machine is stocked with multiple copies of these books, allowing students to build their personal home libraries. PGES Librarian Monica Aplin said that students can earn special tokens, distributed by faculty members for reaching academic or behavioral goals, which they can redeem for books of their choice.

PGES Reading Coach Jaclyn Boatright helped coordinate the Book Nook project and stock the bookshelves.

"The Book Nook was created by displaying books in twos, so that students have access to books on the shelves at any time, but also associate reading with comfort and partner reading," she explained.

Students can stop by the Book Nook to grab a book to read and a book to share. Afterward, these books will be returned to be enjoyed by others. The space's couch, donated by Baldwin Pest Control, adds to the atmosphere, encouraging students to linger and read.

School officials said new titles will be added with the continuous effort to keep the Book Nook fresh and engaging.

"This new area encourages and supports availability of literature, partner reading, reading for enjoyment and a culture of literacy here at Pine Grove School," Aplin said.