MCM-Meridian, Atmos Energy unveil Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine

Published 4:38 am Thursday, February 12, 2026

Children visiting the Mississippi Children’s Museum-Meridian will have opportunities to earn new books to take home with them after the museum and Atmos Energy unveiled a new Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine on Wednesday.

Styled after a normal vending machine, the new literacy tool swaps rows of chips and candy with books from a range of reading levels, and even some in Spanish for Spanish-speaking visitors.

“Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine transforms the simple act of choosing a book into a magical moment that builds excitement, curiosity and a lifelong love of reading,” said MCM-Meridian Executive Director Barbara Zeller. “Giving the children a chance to choose their own book also reinforces positive reading habits and celebrates their commitment to learning.”

Clair Huff, director of Education and Experiences at MCM-Meridian, said children who attend literacy events at the museum, such as the weekly ABC Come Play with Me and Rocky’s Book Club events, will earn stamps on their “library card.” Once the card has been filled up, they will receive a token that can be used to choose a book from the machine.

The book vending machine isn’t just about rewarding children for participating in literacy events, Huff said. Research has shown having books in the home is a predictor of academic success, she said, and Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine is one way to provide those books.

Clair Huff, director of Education and Experiences at MCM-Meridian, stands with Crestwood Elementary School students Lenoxx Mobley, from left, Camryn Clark and Demontray Walker, who were chosen to demonstrate the new Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine on Wednesday. Photo by Thomas Howard

“Having books at home fosters a culture of learning, as well as a love for reading while improving language skills, speaking skills, writing skills and higher level thinking skills,” she said. “At MCM, with the support of Atmos Energy, we will help our families build home libraries, promoting a lifelong love of reading and learning.”

Atmos Energy, a longtime supporter of the Mississippi Children’s Museum, located in Jackson, has continued that support and expanded to include the Meridian museum as well, Zeller said.

Atmos Energy Public Affairs Manager Lauren Ann Cobb said the programs and literacy initiatives MCM-Meridian offers are important, and the company is proud to partner with the nonprofit to help support that mission.

“Through our partnerships with the museum, we are happy to give back and provide more access to literacy for the children of Meridian, and we hope that this museum continues the work that they’ve been doing for many more years to come,” she said.

Meridian Chief Administration Officer Craig Hitt encouraged children at the museum to use the vending machine and other programs at the museum to develop a love of reading. As future city leaders, a strong foundation in reading will help prepare today’s youth to carry the city forward in a few years.

“Reading is vital. It’s important to us as an education program. It’s important to us as a community because we need you to be prepared to be our leaders in the future,” he said.

For more information about the Mississippi Children’s Museum-Meridian, visit mcmmeridian.org.