This is a machine that literally “turns” old books into new ones. One of those surprisingly cool social projects you keep running into in Brazil.
Incrível Máquina de Livros (“The Incredible Book Machine”) is a traveling project that moves around the country, gently nudging people toward reading.
The idea is simple: you bring a book — and get a different one in return.
But it’s not just an ordinary exchange. There’s a bit of magic to it: you place your book inside, press a button — and a few seconds later the machine “gives” you a new one.
And somehow it really feels like you’ve just taken part in a little trick.
They only accept books in good condition (no notes, no damage), and I think up to three per person.
The ones that didn’t qualify, we left on a nearby Leia Santos shelf — and ended up picking a couple of interesting ones there too. In the end, we managed to swap everything we brought from home.
In Santos, the machine was set up in the botanical garden and stayed there for a few days.
We showed up on a Saturday and — surprise — there was a line)
We walked around the park for a bit, and by the time we came back, it had easily tripled.
By the way, the botanical garden itself is a really nice place, even without any special events. Green, well-kept, with huge palm trees everywhere.
It’s quite far from the beach — in a part of the city tourists rarely make it to.
There’s plenty of shade (a lifesaver in the heat), a pond with fish, a playground, an interactive fountain, and even a small viewpoint you can climb up to.
There are three levels and an elevator, though I don’t remember it actually working.
But honestly, the trees alone are worth it.
The palms are just mesmerizing.
It’s not really a tourist spot — more like a proper local park where people come with kids, food, scooters, or just to sit in the shade, celebrate birthdays, or have a picnic.
We thought we’d just stop by quickly because of the machine — and ended up staying much longer than planned.
So if you ever find yourself in that part of the city, it’s definitely worth a visit, even on its own.
I really love when something полезное comes wrapped in play and эмоции instead of “you should.” And Incrível Máquina de Livros does exactly that. The idea is simple, but the execution is so good it pulls in both kids and adults.
So if this little truck ever comes to your city — go. You can check their route on Instagram (@incrivelmaquinadelivros). It’s a bit of magic that might just turn into a new love for reading.
Tchau!