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Singapore introduces book vending machines
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Independent bookstore BooksActually is encouraging people to shop for books without even visiting a bookstore by launching two book vending machines on Friday. (BooksActually/-)
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n an era of e-books and the internet, Singapore has introduced a retro-style innovation: book vending machines. Independent bookstore BooksActually is encouraging people to shop for books without even visiting a bookstore by launching two book vending machines on Friday.
The vending machines are located at the National Museum of Singapore and the Singapore Visitor Centre on Orchard Road.
Regarding the choice of locations, Renée Ting, manager of BooksActually, said: “We chose places that do not just see high foot traffic, but are also supportive of the arts and culture in Singapore.”
“The vending machines are a way for people to buy books without having to come to the bookstore. It's meant to reach out to people who generally won't visit, or have not heard of the bookstore or Singapore literature. Plus, it's fun,” she told The Jakarta Post.
In the vending machines, BooksActually provides local literature from Singaporean writers. There is a strong reasoning behind the decision: “We believe it is important that people are aware of the thriving arts scene that is in Singapore. It's not comparable to big cities, but it's something,” Renée said.
Despite only providing Singaporean works, the vending machines have plenty of genres on offer, ranging from poetry and short stories to graphic novels and children’s books. The books are affordable, priced from S$10 (US$7.27) to S$35.
Aiming to install more book vending machines at train stations and airports in the future, BooksActually is set to unveil its third machine at the Goodman Arts Centre in late June, and is currently working on an alternative cashless payment method. However, the bookstore thinks it might be too difficult logistically to expand overseas.
But the Singaporean public is excited about the machines. “We think they're having fun. Many are concerned about the books dropping from the top level, but we've got a tray that brings the books down so it doesn't damage the books,” Renée said.
“We know it's a novelty that won't bring a lot of profits, but we're more concerned with people knowing about Singapore literature than anything; that's more important to us.”
