Second-Hand Book Vending Machine

Well this is a bit cool. A second-hand bookshop in Canada has created a vending machine which gives customers a random book, for just $2 a time.

The Monkey's Paw, a bookshop in Toronto, describes itself as “Toronto’s most idiosyncratic second-hand bookshop" and already boasted a collection of insect taxonomies, but it has outdone itself with this fantastic piece of design. Owner Stephen Fowler came up with the idea, before designer Craig Small brought it to life, utilising an old metal locker and a suitably retro design.

The 'Biblio-mat' is described as “an artful alternative to the ubiquitous and often ignored discount sidewalk bin” and has been a hit with customers. Check out how it works in the video below.

So, next time you just can't think what to read (and you happen to be in Toronto), just pop $2 in this and let it 'choose' one for you.

Images: Craig Small/The Monkey's Paw