Travelers flying through Eugene Airport can now pick up free reading at a new short story dispenser provided in a partnership among the Airport, Eugene Public Library and Eugene Public Library Foundation.
People of all ages can use a touch-free button to choose Local, International or For Kids options, then receive a free short story or poem printed like a receipt using ink-free recycled paper. Or read the dispenser writings online. At launch, the Local collection features pieces contributed by more than 30 Lane County writers. Writings for future use can be submitted at the library website.
The Eugene short story dispenser is the first in Oregon and is the only one located at an airport in the Pacific Northwest. The kiosk stands in front of a colorful wall-size illustration of an Oregon landscape inscribed with quotations about reading. It is located on the landing at the top of the escalator to A Gates, a route taken by approximately one million people annually.
“We’re delighted about this fun and engaging way to highlight our community’s love of reading and writing,” Library Director Will O’Hearn said. “This project offers a unique opportunity to connect with visitors and each other through the world of literature.”
“We are so pleased to partner with the library and airport, and especially to introduce our wonderful local writers to people traveling to, from and through our vibrant city,” Eugene Public Library Foundation Director Reed Davaz McGowan said.
“The addition of this short story dispenser provides a new opportunity for travelers at the Eugene Airport to discover the creativity of our region,” said Eugene Airport Director Cathryn Stephens, A.A.E. “We are excited about this partnership between the Airport and the Eugene Public Library and Eugene Public Library Foundation.”
According to Short Édition, the company that creates short story dispensers, there are more than 300 dispensers in action worldwide, including Melbourne, Hong Kong, Paris, London, San Francisco and Philadelphia, which have served more than 5.6 million readers.