JetBlue Encourages Reading With Free Digital Book Vending Machines
As part of its twelfth annual Soar with Reading initiative, JetBlue is bringing its free book vending machine program to New Jersey, where children in underserved communities will be able to access age-appropriate books for summer reading.
Five of these free-of-charge digital book vending machines will be placed throughout Newark throughout July and August, at which eager readers can choose from a wide range of titles, or select their favorites based on author or reading level.
To promote acceptance and equality, books at these vending machines, which come from HarperCollins Publishers, Little Bee Books, Lil’ Libros, Lee & Low Books, Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House, TOKYO POP, and Simon & Schuster, will feature a diverse cast of characters from all backgrounds, with titles available in both English and Spanish.
Additionally, there will be selected books for adults so that parents can join their children in reading, with research showing that by displaying such behaviors, caregivers can improve the educational outcome for younger ones.
“For more than a decade, JetBlue has been dedicated to eradicating book inequality through our Soar with Reading program,” said Icema Gibbs, Vice President CSR AND DEI at JetBlue.
“We’re proud to return the popular program to the tristate area this year, landing in Newark, with five digital book vending machines to open more pathways for youth to connect with joys of reading and imagination.”
The vending machines can be found at La Casa de Don Pedro, The Leaguers, Newark Ironbound Recreation Center, Springfield Branch Library, and Van Buren Branch Library.
[via Simple Flying and JetBlue / Business Wire, images via Soar With Reading]
