Albion library adds vending machine, giving away books for free

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Betty Sue Miller, director of Hoag Library, is shown with the library’s new book vending machine. A $10,000 grant from Xerox paid for the machine as well as many books to be given away.

The library will give away the books through tokens. Those tokens will be given to children 12 and under who will be eligible to receive books on their birthdays. (The library’s has had a birth to age 5 book program for children to receive a book near Christmas and on their birthdays. That is funded by an anonymous donor.)

The vending machine accepts tokens, and then gives out books selected by the reader.

Miller also wants to connect with local coaches, teachers and others who work with youth. The library wants those adults to give out tokens for free books as a reward for children. Miller welcomes coaches and other adults who work with youth to stop by the library for tokens.

The Xerox grant is big enough to pay for another restocking of books, Miller said.

Elissa Nesbitt, a former library trustee, secured the grant from Xerox.

The vending machine includes a specially designed wrap with the Hoag Library name and quotes picked by the library, including:

“Reading for me, is spending time with a friend.” – Gary Paulsen

“You can find magic wherever you look. Sit back and relax, all you need is a book.” – Dr. Seuss

“Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.” – Frederick Douglass