Ohio Community Center Vending Machine Dispenses Library Books, Not Snacks

Vending machines dispense more than a quick treat. In Worthington, OH, in fact, one newly installed vending machine offers up books, movies and music, according to The Columbus Dispatch. As part of an experiment, Worthington Libraries placed a non-traditional library vending machine in the city’s community center lobby. Users simply swipe their library card and make a selection, free of charge.

The machine cost around $31,000 and is connected to the library system’s computers via the Internet.

While the machine does not allow users to pay fines or return items, it is expected to help create, “more points of contact out in the community,” the source reports.