LEXINGTON, Ky (LEX 18) Benches are popping up all over Lexington, they are part of the "Book Bench Project" which is aiming to add a cultural flair to the city while also promoting literacy.
The book benches are the passion project of Kate Savage. It is inspired by a similar project in England and was brought to Lexington through the collaboration of Savage’s organization Arts Connect, as well as LexArts and the Carnegie Center for Literacy.
"Our goal was to promote literacy, give people sense of pride of the rich, diverse heritage we have here in Kentucky," said Savage.
There are 37 benches total and each depicts a book written by a Kentucky author. Each bench is painted by a Kentucky-based artist.
“This bench is called ‘Ellen, the little girl who found her voice’," Savage said, showing LEX 18 a bench.
Some benches have incredibly personal messages and others are simply the artist’s interpretation of their inspiration from the book. All of the benches are functional.
“We want you to sit on it, that’s the idea. They’ve been placed specifically in places where hopefully people will sit, and relax, and take a minute out, and maybe go buy the book they’re sitting on," said Savage.
In November, the benches will be auctioned off, but Savage hopes the impact from the project will be felt long after they’re gone.
“I hope Lexington really enjoys them and realizes we have a lot to be proud for," said Savage.
The benches will be on display until October and this summer, there will be a walking tour of the benches.
Learn more about the Book Bench Project here.
