The "LitBox," a unique vending machine designed to promote local literature, opens at Washington's Western Market. Featuring 23 titles from DC authors across various genres, this initiative is spearheaded by Brookland-based author Lauren Woods. Inspired by similar European machines, she seeks to enhance accessibility and interest in local literature. After successfully fundraising $5,000 and overcoming challenges in securing a location, Woods established the LitBox in a high-traffic area to encourage spontaneous book purchases. The focus is on storytelling, deliberately moving away from the more common political narratives associated with DC's publishing scene.
Most people wouldn't start a bookstore with just local authors because they think that will never be profitable. So this is my chance to test that on a really small scale.
I never knew that it's extremely competitive to get space for a vending machine. But I immediately thought, 'Oh my God, that's it,' when I saw the empty space.
Woods wanted to step away from the policy hot takes and big-name political memoirs that people associate with DC publishing to focus on storytelling.
The machine holds 23 titles from DC-based authors across genres, from picture books to poetry, emphasizing convenience and curation.
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