Short Stories Now Dispensed at the Fremont Branch

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Apr 6

The Short Edition short story dispenser at The Seattle Public Library's Fremont Branch

The 102-year-old Fremont Branch has a new attraction: The Short Edition story dispenser.

In between browsing the collection, using a computer or other services, you can now print out a 1-minute, 3-minute or 5-minute story to enjoy on the spot (more on the five-minute option later).

The story dispenser was moved last week from its post at The Station coffee shop in Beacon Hill to the Fremont Branch, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been named a landmark building by Seattle's Landmarks Preservation Board. (It's also located just blocks from the Fremont Troll and other neighborhood attractions.)

It's expected to stay there through the month of May, and will be a fun addition to the branch's collections, programs and events, which include a monthly in-person program for local writers, "Write with Hugo House." A weekly family story time starts up again in May at the branch.

Unfamiliar with how a story dispenser works? Simply visit the slim, kiosk-like machine and choose a story length option with a wave of your hand (dispensers are contactless). Stories are printed on a receipt-like piece of paper to take on the go. Since the installation of story dispensers, readers have ordered more than 14,000 short stories.

The Library has two dispensers. The other is located on level 3 at the Central Library (1000 Fourth Ave.), near the information booth.

The Short Story Dispenser at Central Library, Level 3

Both of The Seattle Public Library's story dispensers recently got an exciting update: They now feature a new collection of stories written exclusively by local authors. When you're at the dispenser, simply select the "Local Writers" button, which is the five-minute option.

Short Edition, the French publishing company that produces story dispenser devices, has curated the collection, which features stories from authors such as Kristen Millares Young, a finalist for the 2021 Washington State Book Award for Creative Nonfiction and a writing workshop instructor for classes at the Library; as well as Katie Kurtz and Angie McCullagh, participants of the Library's 2023 Writers' Room Residency, which provides a secure and shared writing space on Level 9 of the Central Library.

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