Reception to celebrate new book bench at the Eastside Library

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A Book Bench for the Eastside Library: A Joyful Gift from the Friends of the Santa Barbara Public Library

Santa Barbara, CA — The Friends of the Santa Barbara Public Library invites the community to a special reception unveiling its new painted Book Bench, a whimsical, functional piece of art that celebrates imagination, reading, and community spirit.

The project is a heartfelt gift from the Friends of the Santa Barbara Public Library, made possible through the creativity, generosity, and collaboration of many partners.

Special thanks go to:

• Author Janet Lucy for inspiring the project with her book Makana is a Gift – Makana es un Regalo 

• Artist Ann Hefferman for beautifully interpreting the original illustrations by Alexis Cantú
• Translator Marcos O. Martinez for bringing the story to life in Spanish
• Santa Barbara Beautiful, for helping dreams bloom in our community
• Library Director Brandon Beaudette, for finding the bench its perfect home
• Deckers Gives, for helping Makana is a Gift take flight

The Book Bench is a place to sit, read, and let your imagination soar—a joyful new addition to the Eastside Library that will inspire readers of all ages.

Event Details:
📅 Saturday, October 25, 2025
🕐 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
📍 Eastside Library, 1102 E. Montecito St., Santa Barbara

• Guests will enjoy light refreshments, have the chance to win one of ten copies of Makana is a Gift – Makana es un Regalo in a raffle, and purchase signed copies of the book.

Join us in celebrating this new chapter for our library and community.