TODAY’S LIVING BEST BETS

LECTURE

“Play and Playfulness in Japanese Art,” a lecture by Dr. Kendall Brown, adjunct curator, Pacific Asia Museum, Pasadena. 2 p.m. Saturday. (626) 449-2742.

READING

Sylvia Brown reads from her new book, “The Other Side and Back.” Tonight, 7:30. Borders Books & Music, 1360 Westwood Blvd., Westwood. (310) 475-3444.

FESTIVAL

The first Santa Barbara Middle Eastern Festival takes place Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Goleta Valley Community Center. (805) 687-8823.

BOOK SALE

The Sherman Oaks branch of the Los Angeles Public Library puts on a used book sale on Saturday. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (818) 981-7850.