A book locker which acts like a vending machine has been installed at Williams Landing Shopping Centre.
Wyndham council announced the “fabulous new addition” to its library services on Monday.
The high-tech machine, which has 18 lockers, has been installed with the aim of making it easier for residents to access resources such as books and magazines from Wyndham’s libraries.
The free service allows library members to request an item for loan and collect it from the book locker.
Each locker in the machine is big enough to fit about 12 standard-sized books.
Wyndham’s deputy mayor and the learning city portfolio holder, councillor Jasmine Hill, said the machine would make borrowing and returning books easier for Williams Landing community members.
“Research has shown that library facilities close to shopping centres will have high catchment areas,” Cr Hill said.
Cr Hill said the book locker vending machine was a pilot for Wyndham, with the council hoping to install additional machines at train stations and other areas of high traffic in the municipality, if the trial is deemed successful.
“Wyndham city is committed to providing services for our community that help to encourage and foster learning,” Cr Hill said.
To use the book locker, request a loan via www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/services/libraries
The library will notify you when your book is ready and which locker to pick it up from.
Residents will have 10 days to collect their loans from the vending machine, which also has a book return chute.
