A banknote release and storage apparatus is provided for both discharging banknotes from a safe and for re-inserting a banknote through the same discharge opening back into the safe. A stacked array of banknotes can have the lower-most banknote discharged through an opening for dispensing to a user. Conversely, a banknote returned to the same discharge opening can be re-inserted when a lifting unit lifts one end of the stacked array of banknotes to create a receptive storage space and a let-off device is driven in a reverse direction for drawing the banknote back into the storage unit.