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Santa Anita / Benoit Photo

The latest addition to the Santa Anita backstretch is the new Eddie Truman Library, which is named in honor of the longtime trainer who died last month at age 77 and was a leading advocate for literacy.

The library was opened in Santa Anita’s stable area in a dedicated space that is part of the recreation center and dining hall that serves backstretch workers. Truman donated many of the books in the collection. The library includes educational materials, an array of fiction and non-fiction books and other assorted items. Titles are available in both English and Spanish. The library also has a lounge area with couches, tables and chairs where visitors may spend their time.

The naming of the Eddie Truman Library was made public Friday during a celebration of life for Truman at Santa Anita’s Clockers’ Corner. Dozens of Truman’s friends and family turned out including his wife Elizabeth and daughter Kasey.

“It was a fantastic gathering,” said Pete Siberell, Santa Anita’s director of community service and special projects. “We told Kasey about the library, and she was kind of blown away. She was very honored.”

Books donated to the Truman Library may be delivered at the guard booth inside Gate 8 off Baldwin Avenue. Please mark the books “Eddie Truman Library,” and the recreation facility staff will pick them up from there.

Truman, who was an avid bicyclist, died Dec. 11. He started his career in horse racing as a jockey in 1963 at age 16. After eventually becoming too big for the riding profession, Truman set his sights on becoming a trainer.

He first served a brief stint in the late 1960s in Detroit before moving to Southern California in 1972. Two years later Truman would resume his training career at Santa Anita. He would go on to win 763 races before his retirement Jan. 1, 2024.