The Biblio-Mat is a custom-built vending machine for random second-hand books

Toronto bookstore The Monkey’s Paw features a unique and intriguing way for readers to obtain new books: the Biblio-Mat. Created by the store’s owner, Stephen Fowler, and The Juggernaut co-founder, Craig Small, the Biblio-Mat is a vending machine built from an old metal locker than dispenses random, used books for $2 each. In an interview with Quill & Quire, Fowler said that his original idea was to put one of his assistants inside of a painted refrigerator box, who would then drop a book out when a coin is inserted — fortunately, Small suggested otherwise.