A New and Very Cool Initiative! Public Library Association Brings Short Story Dispensers to Four Public Libraries in the U.S.

From the Public Library Association/American Library Association:

Today, at the Public Library Association’s (PLA) 2018 conference, PLA announced a new partnership with community publisher Short Edition to promote reading and literary joy through public libraries in four U.S. communities. The joint project also will encourage diverse writers to share their work through Short Edition’s digital content platform while promoting library programs and services for readers and writers of all ages.
Local libraries will determine placement and partners for launch in coming months. The following libraries have been selected to participate in the new initiative, funded by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation:

• Akron-Summit County (Ohio) Public Library
• Free Library of Philadelphia (Penn.)
• Richland Library (Columbia, S.C.)
• Wichita (Kans.) Public Library

Readers can print one-, three-, or five-minute stories from a range of genres at the touch of a button via the Short Story Dispenser. The kiosks will be branded to the libraries, enabling them to further their reach and visibility, as well as connect each story back to the full power of their collections and programs. This program also marks the launch of a new digital platform (www.short-edition.com/en) for sharing new literary creations.
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The Short Story Dispensers were first launched in France in 2015 by the startup company Short Edition, which designed and created the dispenser to bring literature to unexpected places like airports, train stations, shopping centers, and hospitals.
“We believe in the power of literature to help people thrive, find their personal balance and place in society. That’s why Short Edition is very proud to start working alongside the Knight Foundation and PLA to promote literature in the United States,” says Christophe Sibieude, co-founder of Short Edition. “Our aim is to promote and propel reading via Short Story Dispensers connected to our community publishing platform.”

What is Short Story Dispenser? How Do They Work?
Background
Learn More About Short Edition

Learn More About Short Story Dispenser
Short Edition on Twitter
See Also: Penn State Libraries, Short Edition Partner for First University Collaboration (May 18, 2017)

So excited to install our first Short Story Dispenser in a US hospital, at @ColumbusHealth.
Thank you @ColsCitySchools for this incredible opportunity, we hope the kids will enjoy their read! https://t.co/rGXv3anX02

— Short Edition (@short_edition) March 22, 2018

CBS “Sunday Morning” Segment About Short Edition (July 10, 2016)

Filed under: Associations and Organizations, Libraries, News, Public Libraries, Publishing