Library Expands Reach with Vending Machine Machine

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

The Anderson County Library is offering a new way to borrow books and other items for those who do not live close to one of the library’s branches. One Friday, the library debuted a Library Book Vending Machine at the S.C. 24 location of Food Lion.

Anyone with a library card can now check out and return items at the new location.

Anderson County Library Director Annie Sutton said the idea was something that had been under consideration for some time.

“Every year the state library offers public libraries impact grants that are up to $50,000,” said Sutton. “A couple of years ago, we did a grant for a locker system over at the Powdersville library, which has been very popular. This year, well, we wanted something that would be different, something that would be sort of unique, and the idea of a vending machine, which I had known about for a long time, just came to mind.”

The S.C. 24 Food Lion location was chosen because it is at least 15 minutes from any of the library’s eight locations. Sutton said Food Lion’s partnership is another reason for choosing the spot for the vending machine location.

“It's really good to help serve the people here and see what kind of interest they have in the library,” said Sutton. “It’s something easy, quick, and fun, just kind of fun. We want people in Anderson County to use the library, have library cards, get the benefit of the services that we provide.”