When most people get a vending machine for the office, they usually want one that sells drinks or snacks. Not The Monkey's Paw. This used bookstore has a machine that sells books. Unlike the previous book vending machine we blogged about before, this one is a little more mysterious.
The Biblio-Mat, as the machine is named, vends randomly selected old books. Stephen Fowler, owner of The Monkey's Paw, came up with the idea to get the attention of people who might otherwise ignore the discount book bins in the store. But it was Craig Small, a designer and animator, who brought it to life.
The machine is housed in an old storage locker and the books are loaded into columns, which then rise when money is inserted. The top book, resting at a 45 degree angle, then dispenses for the customer to retrieve. A laser tripwire keeps the column from rising further to prevent more books being dispensed. Much like a traditional vending machine, the Biblio-Mat features a computer processor to detect the size of the coins inserted.
Since its debut, this unique vending machine has garnered much attention from many people, including Neil Gaiman and Margaret Atwood.
Frequently Asked Questions About Book Vending Machines
What is the Biblio-Mat?
The Biblio-Mat is a unique vending machine that dispenses randomly selected old books. It was created to attract attention to discount book bins in a used bookstore called The Monkey's Paw.
How does the Biblio-Mat work?
The machine is housed in an old storage locker and loads books into columns that rise when money is inserted. The top book is dispensed at a 45-degree angle, and a laser tripwire prevents more than one book from being dispensed at a time.
Who designed the Biblio-Mat?
The idea was conceived by Stephen Fowler, owner of The Monkey's Paw, and brought to life by Craig Small, a designer and animator.
What technology does the Biblio-Mat use to accept payment?
The Biblio-Mat features a computer processor that detects the size of the coins inserted, similar to traditional vending machines.
Why was the Biblio-Mat created?
It was created to get the attention of people who might otherwise ignore the discount book bins in the store, making the experience of buying used books more engaging and fun.
Has the Biblio-Mat received any notable attention?
Yes, since its debut, the Biblio-Mat has attracted attention from many people, including well-known authors Neil Gaiman and Margaret Atwood.
