Saturday, June 16, 2012

Library installs vending machine


From the Daily News:

A cash-strapped Queens library has found an unusual way to raise revenue: selling soda, chips and candy.

The Queens Library recently installed two vending machines stocked with unhealthy snacks near the entrance of its Long Island City branch.

But after calls from the Daily News, library President Thomas Galante reached out to Sterling Vending on Thursday and requested that more nutritious items be included.

“The library always supports the healthiest eating habits and supports the health and well-being of the community,” said library spokeswoman Joanne King.

King said the vending machines were installed within the last month because there aren’t many stores nearby where children can pick up snacks.

The library is using the branch as a pilot to see how the vending machines “work out,” she said.

A portion of the proceeds goes toward supporting after-school programs.

But King also previously told The News that the machines “only sell healthy snacks, like fruit juice and healthy snack packs” and that patrons can only eat in certain parts of the branch.

That wasn’t the case earlier in the week.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Mayor Mike, do your thing.

Anonymous said...

I am familiar with ALOT of libraries in Brooklyn and Queens. For the life of me, I cannot think of ONE that isn't near a place for kids to get snacks.

Anonymous said...

1. Vending machines inside a place that has a sign on their doors that says "No Food Or Drink Allowed" - duh doy!

Anonymous said...

Did they ask adults who patronize these libraries if they thought this would be a good idea?

In a few months we'll be reading about the unintended consequences of this.

Anonymous said...

The Queens Library has lots of money for bricks and mortar but damn little for staff and books.

Take a look at the hours libraries are open in the other boros and look at Queens.

Take a look at the board of directors of the library in the other boros and take a look at Queens.

Anonymous said...

Ya know, the library when I was growing up had an absolute ban on food and drink. I think that's still the best policy.