Hudson PEP Elementary, in partnership with Greater Longview United Way and First National Bank of East Texas, celebrated the installation of a new book vending machine Friday morning with a ribbon cutting ceremony at the school.
The event, held at Hudson PEP Elementary, featured remarks from principal, Christy Scott, who highlighted the impact of the machine on student literacy efforts. Student leaders welcomed community guests, donors and partners before recognizing First National Bank of East Texas and Greater Longview United Way for their contributions.
“This book vending machine is more than just a fun way to get books — it’s an investment in our students’ futures,” said Hudson PEP principal, Christy Scott. “When children have access to stories that spark their imagination and challenge their thinking, they build a love of reading that will carry them through school and beyond. We are grateful to Greater Longview United Way and First National Bank of East Texas for helping us bring this opportunity to our students.”
The installation marks the 22nd book vending machine in Gregg County. With this addition, every elementary school in Longview ISD now has a book vending machine, ensuring more students have access to books that foster curiosity and a lifelong love of reading.
City Council members, Wray Wade and John Nustad, attended the ceremony. Wade read a proclamation from the Mayor’s Office declaring Aug. 29 as Hudson PEP Read To Succeed Day in Longview.
The Book Vending Machine program, sponsored by Greater Longview United Way, rewards students for their achievements by allowing them to “purchase” books with special tokens. The initiative encourages children to engage with reading in a fun and meaningful way, while building literacy skills that support long-term success.
The ceremony concluded with a ribbon cutting and the distribution of tokens to students who completed the Summer Reading Packet.