When you think of vending machines, most will associate them filled with sweet treats, crisps, drinks, and other snack options. Over the years, more and more alternative options are cropping up, including ones complete with DVDs, socks, trading cards and even false eyelashes! Yet, three years ago, the Corn Exchange in Manchester, a building steeped in history and stories, took a leaf out of their book by installing a book vending machine in their stunning atrium space for the very first time – and it’s still going strong.
Whether guests need a book for their commute into the city, want to update their bookshelf at home, grab a page-turner for their holiday, or simply have a good read over a coffee or glass of something at Corn Exchange in Manchester, the book vending machine has them covered. To help the environment and reduce waste for book lovers, the machine includes a mix of pre-loved books of all genres.
How does the book vending machine in Manchester work?
Visitors simply need to bring in a pre-loved book and swap it for a token with one of the Corn Exchange hosts to access the vending machine and choose their next book.
What kind of books are in the vending machine?
You won’t find rows and rows of the same book in the machine, as the Corn Exchange has stocked the vending machine with a great mix of ‘pre-loved’ books of all genres, so every visit, you will find something different. All the books in the vending machine are second-hand, in order to keep a small amount of pre-loved books in circulation and help the environment too. Why not try a book you would never think of reading? If you don’t enjoy it, you can simply Read. Swap. Repeat.
How much do the books cost?
The books are free – well almost – all the Corn Exchange asks is that you bring in a book of your own to swap with one from our machine. That way the team can keep your pre-loved book in circulation too. Simply bring in a book to one of the hosts on duty, and they will swap it for a token that can be used in the machine.
How many books can I swap at once?
To make sure we can keep the machine stocked, the Corn Exchange asks that you bring in no more than five books at a time.
Does my book have to be in good condition?
Yes. Manchester Corn Exchange requires you to bring a book to swap, which is in the type of condition that you would be happy to receive, and is an adult book of any genre. If the team feels it is not appropriate for the machine, they will donate it.
Where to find the book vending machine in Manchester
The book vending machine can be found on the Fennel Street exit of the Corn Exchange building. For more information on how the book exchange works, head to their website here.
