Government

California libraries to convert newspaper vending machines into mini libraries

Image courtesy of Porterville Little Libraries.

May 21, 2021

The Porterville Recorder, a Porterville, California newspaper, has agreed to provide the Porterville Little Libraries Initiative with at least 10 unused newspaper vending machines to be converted into little libraries. The goal is to have 100 little libraries by Feb. 18, 2022, according to a recorderonline.com report.

The library got the idea from the family of a 7-year-old, Danay Fergusen, who created a book donation program in Fresno in 2016. The family approached the publishers of the Fresno Bee to acquire unused newspaper vending machines.

PPL will also be providing artists with the chance to beautify at least one Recorder vending machine with an artist's contribution.

West Olive Welding has agreed to modify the machines to be used by the artists free of charge.

The machines will be fastened to bolts into concrete and be placed on residential property.

Machines will also be available for sale from the newspaper.