I appreciated Laura Warner’s spotlight on library kiosks as a way to bring basic library services to rural, underserved populations, and/or satellite populations. Her comparison of these kiosks to vending machines that don’t seek to replace the offerings of a grocery store or the ambiance of a restaurant but nonetheless serve a need, the hunger for new reading material, is useful in considering access and reach. This adoption of a capitalist invention for anti-capitalist use reminds me of art vending machines or poetry vending machines that repurpose cigarette machines into tiny art galleries where a small fee buys you an original piece of art. https://www.artomat.org/about/
The library kiosk in the Halifax airport demonstrates how libraries can increase access and address needs. Airports hold captive audiences. San Francisco International Airport curates and installs compelling exhibitions highlighting local artists and history. Upon disembarking the airplane, a traveler will be greeted by an exhibition to peruse as they walk to baggage claim. For the local traveler who arrives at the airport early or whose flight is delayed, these exhibitions are a bonus museum trip and may provide new information via their education program about their city or a local artist or resource.
Libraries Without Borders (LWB) expands access on the global front through their use of mobile shipping containers or “idea boxes”. The inclusion of generators, servers, and computers as well as books and craft materials, brings some of the breadth of library services to communities that may be experiencing displacement and loss.
In his recent article in The Library Lab, Christian Lauresen discusses Danish bookmobiles, saying, “A bookmobile is both a practical and strategic prioritization of citizens’ nearness to free and equal access to information, education, and cultural activities.” In “the necessary nearness” that bookmobiles provide, Lauresen paints a vibrant picture of the community hubs that form around the bookmobiles, connecting people with cultural events, books, and knowledge.
South San Francisco-based Book and Wheel combines the allure of taco trucks with bookmobiles and art happenings. Community springs up around the “moving art house” and no money is ever exchanged.
I love your insight into using a capitalist vending machine to distribute free materials like art, poetry, and now library resources. I hadn’t considered the additional message that conveys. The library system I work for also placed vending machines offering free menstrual supplies in all of our public restrooms. It really sends a strong statement about accessibility and support.
Hi Maya,
I live in the Bay Area and I have not heard of Book and Wheel: Moving Art House. It sounds like such an amazing idea and I can’t wait to explore it more and check it. Thank you!
@borges25 I so appreciated all the examples you utilized in this blog reflection. I am all about the art vending machine. Everyone should have access to one of those. What I’ve seen in my community and even at the library are old newspaper boxes now used to distribute food or Narcan.