The Monkeyʼs Paw on Dundas West. Just pop in $2, and in a ﬂash, youʼll be the proud owner of a new, completely random book. The mystery comes from not knowing what book youʼll actually get. Intense."> The Monkeyʼs Paw on Dundas West. Just pop in $2, and in a ﬂash, youʼll be the proud owner of a new, completely random book. The mystery comes from not knowing what book youʼll actually get. Intense." />

This Toronto vending machine is for serious bookophiles


Published:

If you love mystery and are looking for a quick, cheap thrill, check out this book-vending machine — dubbed the Biblio-mat — at The Monkeyʼs Paw on Dundas West. Just pop in $2, and in a ﬂash, youʼll be the proud owner of a new, completely random book. The mystery comes from not knowing what book youʼll actually get. Intense.

According to Quill & Quire, the idea came about when The Monkeys Pawʼs owner, Steven Fowler, was on a fishing trip with Craig Small. Fowler imagined a contraption with one of his assistants inside, doling out books. Small took the idea to the next level and built an actual vending machine. The Biblio-mat was born.

“Of the people who have used the thing so far, almost every person has been pleasantly surprised and completely amused,” Fowler told Quill & Quire. “I can think of two people who were dissatisfied with the book they got, but I can only assume they were people lacking in imagination and enthusiasm.”

While the Biblio-mat isnʼt for those who are looking for a speciﬁc read, it could make for a fun afternoon outing.

[Quill & Quire]

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