Southern California city unveils vending machine that holds books, not candy

There won’t be any candy or soda in the vending machine, but library books and games can be picked up 24 hours a day at a park in the San Gabriel Valley.

“We’re thrilled to announce the launch of two innovative resources at Emery Park: the Locker of Things and the Vending Library. 🎉” The City of Alhambra posted its Facebook page Monday.

The Vending Library provides more than 200 Alhambra Library books ready for checkout and return. “Plus, secure lockers make it easy to pick up your holds 24/7!” Officials stated.

The vending machine can be found outside the Eugene Colletta Memorial Emery Park Youth Center in Emery Park at 2709 Mimosa Street.

Placed next to it is the Locker of Things, which holds family-friendly games like UNO and Candy Land that can be checked out anytime “whether at the park or in the comfort of your home!” The post read.

The City ended its announcement with a shout-out to Assemblymember Mike Fong.

“A huge thanks to Assemblymember Mike Fong for making this possible with funding from the 2022-2023 California State Budget.”

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