Teens, we’re just a few short weeks away from the kickoff of our 2026 “Plant a Seed, Read!” Summer Reading Program here at A.K. Smiley Public Library and we hope you’re excited. I can’t wait to tell … [Read More...] about Teens! Your Summer Reading Program starts June 18!
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Welcome to A.K. Smiley Public Library Blog!
While you're here, please enjoy a variety of Library news and book reviews by our staff across Smiley Library departments: Adult Services, Adult Literacy, Youth Services (Young Readers’ Room and Teen Underground), Special Collections (Heritage Room), Lincoln Memorial Shrine, Museum of Redlands, Friends of the Library, Smiley Heritage Tours, and more.
Each week you will be treated to a new installment of the "What’s New at A.K. Smiley Public Library" column published in the Redlands Daily Facts newspaper. Written by our staff on a variety of newly acquired books by the Library, it is one of the longest-running columns currently published by the paper.

Perspectives and experiences — New memoirs that take us into the lives of others
Reading memoirs offer us the opportunity to step into an author’s personal life and immerse ourselves in the experiences that have shaped their growth, life purpose, and understanding of the world … [Read More...] about Perspectives and experiences — New memoirs that take us into the lives of others

Variety of new fiction showcasing Asian American Pacific Islander heritage
One of my duties at A.K. Smiley Public Library is ordering books for the fiction collection. When I order titles for this collection, I try to make your sure that I am creating a diverse and inclusive … [Read More...] about Variety of new fiction showcasing Asian American Pacific Islander heritage

A moment for Motherhood
By Ruth Aguilar
Mother's Day announces its arrival all throughout diners, flower shops, and T.V. ads each year in May. A day dedicated to one of the most complex, rewarding, and difficult challenges anyone can take … [Read More...] about A moment for Motherhood

Dress up with the Youth Services Crew for Monthly Spirit Days!
If you keep on the lookout for what’s going on in the Youth Services Department at A.K. Smiley Public Library, you’ll know that we now have Spirit Days every last Thursday of the month! We promote … [Read More...] about Dress up with the Youth Services Crew for Monthly Spirit Days!

Family Literacy services offered at A.K. Smiley Public Library
In 2019, the California Library Literacy Services allocated funding for Family Literacy Programs at public libraries offering adult literacy services. Diane Shimota, Adult Literacy Coordinator at A.K. … [Read More...] about Family Literacy services offered at A.K. Smiley Public Library

Find your joy as a nature-ally!
“You’re standing on a planet with molten lava in the middle. Your heart is beating without you asking. There’s a moon in the sky and bugs that glow. This whole thing is absurdly beautiful — don’t … [Read More...] about Find your joy as a nature-ally!

Look for these books with big ideas for little readers!
With spring upon us, we look forward to reading outside, in the sun, or curled up on the porch watching the sun set in the distance. Here is a list of books to read to your littles throughout the … [Read More...] about Look for these books with big ideas for little readers!

Poetry Month has begun! Slow down and enjoy new poetry collections
This year is speeding by at quite the rapid pace. Before we know it, the weather will be cooler, and the Halloween decorations will be up. Unless of course you are like me and leave them up … [Read More...] about Poetry Month has begun! Slow down and enjoy new poetry collections

Our e-Library database offers new Learning Express for students, and so much more
Did you know that A.K. Smiley Library is more than just books? We also have online databases one can access with their library card number and PIN. We are very excited to announce that we now have … [Read More...] about Our e-Library database offers new Learning Express for students, and so much more
