By Laurel Tacoma, Thomas Jefferson Library Branch Manager

If you visit inside a library branch these days, you may encounter a new machine making the rounds throughout the FCPL system. This is a short story dispenser — a fun and easy way to keep the love of stories alive with brief 1-, 3- and 5-minute reads. The physical machine selects at random a story of your chosen length and prints it for you using eco-friendly paper.

Despite being surrounded by a library filled with books, this is a surprising and exciting new way to have stories delivered straight to your hands. 
In addition to the one physical machine that will move from branch to branch, an online portal is always available to request and read the same selection of short stories. Click here to start enjoying them now.

Are you a writer? Stay tuned to FCPL’s website and social media for announcements of short story contests with the chance to have your story added to the collection!

The short story dispenser was made possible by a generous donation from the George Mason Friends of the Library with help from the Thomas Jefferson Friends.