Tweed New Haven Airport is quiet on Tuesdays with just a couple flights in and out all day, but the small regional airport has become a hub of activity in recent years.

“From 2009 to 2023, HVN was the fastest growing airport in the United States," said Tweed New Haven Airport CEO Michael Jones.

The rise in passengers led Tweed to upgrade its traveler experience, putting in a café, a bar and its most recent addition - which may be an airport first - a book vending machine.

It's from Madison-based independent bookstore RJ Julia Booksellers.

“We're always trying to innovate and reach other customers,” explained Lori Fazio, president and COO of RJ Julia Booksellers. “Our marketing manager was trying to think of new ideas and initiatives for us to embark on, and she said, ‘What about a book kiosk?’”

Fazio said staff worked on the idea for about a year before the vending machine touched down at Tweed in the fall.

The aim is to offer something for everyone.

“There's some kids books in there. There's fiction. There's nonfiction, and so I think this holiday season will really tell us what a traveler would want to see in this,” Fazio said.

It works just like any other vending machine, with a video touchscreen to peruse the selections.

Fazio estimated the machine sells about 50 books a week, with some of the most sought-after titles needing to be regularly restocked.

“’Dune’ is really popular right now. ‘Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo,’ which is a Taylor Jenkins Reid title - that does really well,” Fazio told News 12.

It's the start of a new chapter for RJ Julia Booksellers, one that Fazio said the business is still figuring out.

“It's really fun. It's been very good feedback that we're hearing so far, and I hope that that continues,” Fazio said.

"Really excited to partner with RJ Julia on this first of its kind Automated Book Retail which brings curated book offerings to the guests at HVN," Jones said in a statement. "Their commitment to bringing the RJ Julia brand to HVN is a testament to the value of the local business community working together to innovate and grow."