Vending

Hidden London vending machine dispenses surprise books

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August 25, 2026

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A vending machine hidden in the basement of Third Man London, a record store in central London, gives customers a randomly selected book rather than letting them choose a title, according to a Curly Tales report. Called Literarium, the machine operates with tokens purchased from the store for $9.50, with two tokens required for a book.

Designed by Toronto artist Craig Small, Literarium stocks books created specifically for the machine. Selections can include poetry, short stories, manifestos and excerpts from works that have not yet been released. The concept turns book buying into a surprise experience, potentially introducing readers to authors or genres they might not otherwise select.