Toronto bookstore's vending machine dispenses mystery

A Toronto bookstore is attracting attention with an unusual vending machine that dispenses randomly selected vintage books, according to a Toronto.com report. The Monkey's Paw, an antiquarian bookstore at 1067 Bloor St. W., operates the Biblio-Mat, a machine that gives customers a surprise book in exchange for a $5 Canadian token. The store specializes in uncommon books and printed materials, offering customers an alternative to conventional book shopping.

The Biblio-Mat was introduced in 2012 by bookstore owner Stephen Fowler and Toronto artist Craig Small. Designed with a retro appearance, the machine randomly selects books from its inventory, preventing customers from knowing what they will receive. Fowler developed the concept as a way to find new homes for unusual books that might otherwise struggle to sell through traditional retail channels.

The Monkey's Paw, which opened in 2006, focuses on older publications covering obscure subjects, outdated technologies, visual culture and other specialized interests. Fowler said the Biblio-Mat offers a quick way for customers to discover unexpected titles while adding an element of entertainment to the shopping experience.