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A New Solution for Dirty Books: a UV Sterilization Machine

4771825575_2f6d5bc1e1_bIf that story back in November about the infested library books grossed you out, I have a solution.

A public library in China has installed a book sterilization machine. It’s about the size of a refrigerator, and it uses a UV light to kill germs, bacteria, and viruses. In just 30 seconds, most books with a questionable past can be rendered completely safe for their next reader.

The book pictured at right is probably beyond saving, but most books aren’t so obviously damaged.  In their case the book sterilizer should be more than enough to kill whatever friendly gifts were left behind by the last user.

In addition to the UV light, this machine also has fan. The fan is used to make sure that the pages are spread wide enough that all are exposed to the light and it also blows a mild perfume onto the books. The change in smell is said to calm readers and reassure them that the book was clean.

The machine was installed in the library some time ago, and while it is accessible to patrons few used it until recently. The library director reports that more patrons are sterilizing the books they check out, especially on the weekend.

Hangzhou.com.cn

image by Enokson

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Comments


Phil March 3, 2014 um 6:57 am

The public libraries in Taiwan have had these machines for years. I used to live in Taichung (the 3rd largest city) and their southern branch library had several of these machines installed in the children’s library. They are very quick and easy to use.


Richard Ahlquist March 3, 2014 um 7:16 am

I have suggested for years that schools need a robot with a UV emitter to go through the building at night when no one is there to UV "wash" and cut back on sickness.


Mengupas Alat Book Sanitizer Usulan DPRD Jakarta | bukunya March 19, 2015 um 12:16 am

[…] pada buku ini dipopulerkan di Asia oleh perpustakaan publik dan kampus di Taiwan. Misalnya saja perpustakaan publik di Taichung yang kota ketiga terbesar di Taiwan, selama beberapa tahun terakhir menempatkan beberapa alat ini […]


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