Vending machines used to sell reading
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Spaniards have long been renowned across Europe for their reluctance to read – but now they have no excuse.
An enterprising publisher has installed vending machines in Barcelona subway stations, supplying bestselling paperbacks at the touch of a button.
Commuters need no long-er accept machines laden with only chocolate bars, packets of crisps or cigarettes. Instead, they can insert 4.80 euros (notes accepted and change given), press a button, select the latest John Grisham, Vargas Llosa or Jose Saramago novel and watch their chosen volume tumble down a chute like a can of fizzy drink.
The volumes are encased in tough plastic to prevent them being damaged by the fall, while the selection changes fortnightly.
The pilot project is aimed at impulse buyers and is intended to circumvent the bookshop environment that many Spaniards find so intimidating.
The initiative makes sense because the underground network is reckoned to be one of the places where people read the most. Eight machines have so far been installed in Barcelona stations. If successful, the scheme will be introduced nationwide and will include hospitals and petrol stations among the points of sale.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments