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Concrete bench in the shape of a book with painted with ocean seascape
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Eastside Library Receives a Colorful New Book Bench

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The Friends of the Santa Barbara Public Library are proud to unveil a colorful new Book Bench at the Eastside Library. This colorful and functional art piece -- designed to resemble a book folded on its spine -- is inspired by the children’s book Makana is a Gift, written by Eastside neighborhood author Janet Lucy and translated by Marcos O. Martinez.

Located just outside the Martin Luther King Jr. Room, the bench celebrates imagination, reading, and community spirit.  It was beautifully painted by local artist Ann Hefferman, who brought to life the original illustrations by Alexis Cantu.

This heartfelt gift was made possible through the generous support of community partners including: Santa Barbara Beautiful, Deckers Gives, and the Friends of the Santa Barbara Public Library.

Please join us for a Book Bench Celebration!

Guests will enjoy light refreshments with community members, have a chance to win one of ten copies of Makana is a Gift, and purchase signed copies of the book.

Event Details:
Saturday, October 25, 2025 | 1:00-2:00pm
Eastside Library, 1102 East Montecito Street, Santa Barbara CA