# Vending Machines for Books Novel Idea Dispenses Literature Via Touchscreen By Kate Goldsmith | Published 2009-01-22 | Unique Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/novel-vending-machine References: [papercuts.blogs.nytimes](http://papercuts.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/01/18/the-literary-vending-machine/) I predict that just about anything will be put into a vending machine within the next 10 years. This literature vending machine just goes to show it. Just when you realize you’re about to take a 5 hour train or plane ride without anything to do, there it is, a [book vending machine](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/automatica-project). How convenient! My only issue is, how can you read the back cover? Maybe they should have a [touch screen](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/venhub) that gives excerpts of the books, or a scrolling marque on top? All in all, an interesting idea. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.1/10 - Popularity: 34% | Activity: 82% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Unique](https://www.trendhunter.com/unique) > [Inventions](https://www.trendhunter.com/inventions) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Smart Vending Machines:** Opportunity to incorporate touchscreens and interactive features to enhance user experience and provide more information about products. - **Automated Retail:** Disruptive opportunity to automate the retail industry by offering a wide range of products through vending machines. - **Convenience Culture:** Trend towards providing convenient solutions for consumers, such as book vending machines, to cater to their on-the-go lifestyle. ### Where This Applies - **Retail:** Retailers can explore the idea of incorporating vending machines to expand their product offerings and reach a broader customer base. - **Publishing:** Opportunity for publishers to embrace technology and reach readers through innovative channels like book vending machines. - **Transportation:** Integration of vending machines in transportation hubs can provide travelers with entertainment options and enhance their overall experience. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Book Vending Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cornwall-public-library.md) - [Randomized Record Vending Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/record-vending-machine.md) - [Novel Robotic Vending Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/novel-robotic-vending-machine.md) - [Unique Book-Inspired Fans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/book-shaped-fans.md) - [Pop-Up Vending Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pop-up-vending-machine.md) - [Smart Vending Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-vending-machines.md) - [Book-Themed Bar Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/book-bar-toronto.md) - [Makeup Vending Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beauty-express.md) - [Automated Micro-Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/micro-stores.md)