Penguin unveils the Penguin Book Vending Machine
The titles in the vending machines will be updated regularly, including both new and old books, and will highlight books relevant towards contemporary issues
Penguin Books has launched the Penguin Books vending machine at the Exeter St Davids station, in Devon, England.
According to the Instagram Page of Penguin Books, "In 1934, Sir Allen Lane was waiting for a train at Exeter St Davids station when he couldn't find a good book to read. He decided, then and there, that high-quality, affordable books should be available to everyone, anywhere. The following year, he founded Penguin Books, and with it, the paperback was born."
Penguin created its first vending machine, the "Penguincubator", in 1937 at Charing Cross Road. The books were originally priced at sixpence each.
The installation of the vending machine marks this historic place where Sir Allen Lane received inspiration to create Penguin Books. The machine also celebrates the partnership between Exeter Unesco City of Literature, Great Western Railway and Penguin as they attempt to use the money raised to support the independent bookshop Bookbag and Exeter City of Literature.
The titles in the vending machines will be updated regularly, including both new and old books, and will highlight books relevant towards contemporary issues, such as books related to LGBTQ+ History Month, Black History Month, etc.