Okay, you won’t find the latest bestsellers from Rigel-7 or the next romance installment by Hlrrr of Omicron-Persei-8 around D.C. anytime soon. But thanks to local author Lauren Woods, recent winner of the 2024 Autumn House Prize for Fiction, you may soon be able to order up books by local authors as easily as a Snickers. Or as easily as the low-cal popcorn snack you bought to disguise your earlier Snickers purchase.

Woods is raising funds through Kickstarter to “make it easier for people to find great local literature.” With your help, the District could soon host vending machines for cutting-edge literature, and in a few months we might all be talking about the latest book we picked up from a “DC Lit on the Go” vending machine.

The world needs more good books. Never underestimate the badassery of good old-fashioned analog paperbacks.

I, for one, welcome our new vending machine overlords.

If you feel the same, donate here.