Tiny Library Sculptures Return to State Street

By the Santa Barbara County Office of Arts and Culture

The Santa Barbara County Office of Arts and Culture (www.sbac.ca.gov) is pleased to announce the long-anticipated return of Tiny Libraries on State, an art installation produced in partnership with the City of Santa Barbara. The six brightly-colored public art “libraries” created by local artist Douglas Lochner will be installed on the State Street Corridor from mid-May through July 2023.

Tiny Libraries on State, shaped as life-sized punctuation marks, offer a playful nod to Santa Barbara’s literary heritage and literacy. This year’s installation has a special emphasis on summer reading. Through a partnership with the Creative Project’s I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival, the sculptures will be accompanied by street painting from local artists Sharyn Chan and Sara Wilcox. I Madonnari, which is scheduled for Memorial Day weekend, supports arts programs, performances, and teaching artists in local schools.

Santa Barbara Mayor Randy Rowse shared, “We always support and enjoy art, such as the Tiny Libraries and Pianos, on State Street. It’s a great way to create interactive experiences for both locals and visitors. This year’s street painting component should be a fun enhancement and connection with the upcoming I Madonnari festival.”

The books in the libraries are free for the community to keep or borrow, and the community is encouraged to bring books to share with others. During the inaugural run different pop-up activations are planned for the run of the installation, including a street painting demonstration during the June 1st Thursday Art Walk.

About the Santa Barbara County Office of Arts and Culture:

The Santa Barbara County Office of Arts and Culture is a division of the County’s Community Services Department, serving as the local governmental umbrella for arts and culture projects and programs within Santa Barbara County. The Office represents a longstanding partnership between the County and City of Santa Barbara. For more than 30 years, both governments have shared resources and staff to maximize support for Santa Barbara arts and culture institutions, programs, initiatives and projects. For more information, go to www.sbac.ca.gov.