A Book Vending Machine?

By • Aug 6th, 2009 • Category: 26th Story, Books

Book Vending Machine (Library Lender)It’s actually a book lending machine (a Lending Library), spotted at the American Library Association’s 2009 conference. Libraries can install these (plus a book drop for easy returns) in convenient locations where patrons can access them 24/7. It’s like a book version of the redbox, but libraries could also include DVDs and audiobooks from their collections. If you ever need a good late-night read but the library is closed, all you have to do is bring your library card to the machine to borrow one of their stocked titles. I could see myself using this at Port Authority, grabbing a good book to read on my long bus ride home. (via AdamtheLibrarian)

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  • http://www.megacombo.net Juliana

    Here in São Paulo (Brazil) we have some book vending machines in the subway but I never saw “lending machines”. It’s a pretty nice idea indeed! Libraries 24/7! :)

  • http://www.secretnotebookswildpages.blogspot.com m. heart

    This is a brilliant idea, especially for small towns where the libraries have very limited hours (like where I live, for example).

  • http://wordhoarder.wordpress.com/ Rich Rennicks

    I like this idea. It’s perfect for hot titles. Could even be adapted for bookstores to use. Imagine a book vending machine in the lobby of a local school or at the mini-mall (in markets too small for a typical mall-store).

  • Kay

    I’ve seen them on Barcelona subway platforms. Bestselling paperbacks, mostly.

  • Kathryn

    It would be difficult to stock titles that readers don’t recognize, since they wouldn’t be able to flip through the pages or read the back cover. There’s less risk with lending machines since people are borrowing and not purchasing, but still…

  • Mark

    Who sells the book vending machines and how can I buy one? Thanks, Mark

  • Fred

    The Book Lending Library Machine is sold by Brodart Company of Williamsport PA- 1800 820-4377 ext. 76305 or 76355

  • Fred

    Mark, Here is an update number for Brodart. 800.474.9816 Extensions are the same..76305 or 76355.

  • http://imwiththebrand.wordpress.com/2010/03/15/libraries-turn-vending-machines-into-lending-machines/ Libraries turn vending machines into lending machines « i'm with the brand

    [...] to each people where they are, when they want it, in a way that is easy, convenient, and intuitive. Library vending machines make literacy more accessible, and access more timely and relevant. These machines give libraries [...]

  • http://www.laptopsanytime.com Jonathan

    How about Laptop Lending Machines? See http://www.laptopsanytime.com

  • Neli

    how is its structure..can you teach me how? i actually only need to know the structure of a vending machine for my project and i can't find one..so..please! thank you so much!

  • Bill

    Are there vending machines like this that are used as satellite drops from a central library for books ordered on-line. A kiosk type structure or where one or more machines could be built into the wall of an existing store like a market or drug stores is what I have in mind. A dispensary like this could be used to distribute books within a library's jurisdiction when orders are placed and the borrower would be notified which kiosk to go to and when.