The Main Library hosts a short story dispenser built by the French company Short Édition. This publishing house aims to raise literary awareness, encourage new and emerging writers, and highlight the importance and timeliness of literature.
The dispenser itself is elegantly simple, presenting the choice of a 1, 3, or 5 minute story. Once a selection is made, a story of the chosen length is printed on to high-quality paper free of charge. The opportunity to engage with literature on paper is a refreshing change of pace in a world dominated by digital screens and social media.
The environmental impact is minimal as the paper comes from a sustainable source, and is fully recyclable. Importantly, the dispenser uses a thermal printing process that does not require ink.
HKBU Library was one of the first academic libraries in the world to acquire one of these dispensers. Apart from the stories provided by Short Édition’s online platform, stories written by HKBU faculty and students have also been included in the machine.
You can check the dispenser out for yourself in the lobby of the Main Library. If you are not able to come, or simply cannot get enough short stories, visit our short story dispenser’s companion website!
Last updated: 22 October 2024