The Goose Creek CISD Education Foundation celebrated the unveiling of new Book Nook vending machines at George Washington Carver Elementary School and Ashbel Smith Elementary School on Monday, February 23, 2026.

Students and leaders celebrate the unveiling of a new Book Nook vending machine at Carver Elementary School. Photo by Carrie Pryor-Newman.

The machines were made possible through the generous support of Joe V’s Smart Shop in partnership with Superior Text. Each campus received a Book Nook vending machine along with three years of free book restocks, ensuring students continued access to high-interest reading materials.

Students, campus and district leaders, and community partners gathered for ribbon-cutting ceremonies at both campuses, where students were among the first to use the machines and select books to take home and keep.

The Book Nook machines allow students to earn tokens through positive behavior, attendance, character recognition, and academic achievement, reinforcing literacy while celebrating student success.

“This is about more than books. It is about opportunity,” said Dr. Anna Espinoza, Director of Education Foundation and Partnerships. “By connecting community generosity to classroom impact, we are removing barriers to literacy and opening doors for our students that will last far beyond elementary school.”

The Goose Creek CISD Education Foundation extends its sincere appreciation to Joe V’s Smart Shop and Superior Text for their partnership and continued investment in promoting literacy and supporting students across the district.