#biblio-mat

[theoddmentemporium]

The Biblio-mat at The Monkey’s Paw

I trailed through the boiling hot Toronto streets for an almost an hour to seek out the Biblio-mat, a ‘coin-operated vending machine that dispenses randomly selected old books.’ It was well worth it for this book on Marks of American Silversmiths... 

No, the concept is actually really fun and there’s always a thrill in the surprise of an unknown title! Anyone who has ever received a book subscription will know what I’m talking about.

The Monkey’s Paw itself also has a great collection of quirky second hand books.

[furryalligator]

Source: http://twitter.com/mental_floss/status/975909296956375047

This Vending Machine Dispenses Random Books for $2 — https://t.co/46Mmn6kAc0 pic.twitter.com/8hy1y3fyRo

— Mental Floss (@mental_floss) March 20, 2018

[2ndgengeek]

I think I might need to visit Toronto.

[rebasrebas-blog]

The Biblio mat the world’s first randomizing antique book vending machine

Ever wanted a book randomly dispensed to you from a vending machine? That exists right here in Canada. #Biblio-mat #TheBiblio-mat #Canada

[rchahn]

The Monkey’s Paw

A dash of the macabre and a healthy smattering of the unusual make this Toronto bookshop one of my favourites. 

Their Biblio-mat—the world’s first randomizing vending machine for old books—made me squeal with glee.

They’ve got collections on language, social ettiquette, sexuality, botany, cooking, science, poetry and much more. The dark wood, ornamental carpets and stuffed raven create the perfect atmosphere for lurking the stacks in search of a good find. And let me tell you, there are many a good find to be had.

[rchahn]

The biblio-mat is a magical machine that spews forth much joy for the mere token of a toonie (or two loonies, eight quarters etc.). Located in the back of The Monkey's Paw--a rare and unique used book shop in Toronto's west end--it's custom-built to deliver a random unusual book upon command. I've been wanting to try this puppy for more than a year. You can see my first go at it here. My cameraman was also excited, hence his confusion of starting in profile (tsk tsk) and then correcting to landscape part way through.

[mageeable]

The greatest invention in the book world; a book vending machine. This beauty can be found in Monkey's Paw, the greatest little book store in Toronto. The world needs to come together and make this a thing in all the book stores.

[sgartinspirations-blog]

Sweet little video of Craig Small’s Biblio-mat. I think it’s a really wonderful, ingenious, sweet and helpful invention!

Idea could be used for so many things! Is it a way of bringing narratives back to life?