President Abraham Lincoln, in his Emancipation Proclamation, declared, “…all persons held as slaves within any State or designated part of a State… shall be then, thenceforward, and forever … [Read More...] about The continuing legacy of slavery
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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.
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Each of our voices deserves to be heard
Hello library users! February is African American History month! As all voices deserve a chance to be heard, here are some authors you may not have come across before but whose works leave a lasting … [Read More...] about Each of our voices deserves to be heard
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Get to know these fascinating folks!
By Nancy McGee
A.K. Smiley Public Library currently has several new biographies to choose from, with more coming soon. Selections include presidents, scientists, military and international leaders, civil rights … [Read More...] about Get to know these fascinating folks!
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Teen writers, or writer-wannabes, unite!
Teens, you didn’t ask, but one of my favorite quotes is by playwright Anton Chekhov: “Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.” It gives me shivers! I’m not even … [Read More...] about Teen writers, or writer-wannabes, unite!
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Growing community connections: Considerations for a Seed Library at A.K. Smiley
By Ted Conable
In 2025, A.K. Smiley Public Library is excited to explore the possibility of introducing a seed library to better serve our patrons and enrich the area. A seed library, at its core, is a collection of … [Read More...] about Growing community connections: Considerations for a Seed Library at A.K. Smiley
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Happy 2025! Look for these new fiction titles coming soon
First and foremost, Happy New Year to the readers of the “What’s New at Smiley Public Library” column. We are about two weeks into the New Year, and if your resolution for 2025 is to read more books, … [Read More...] about Happy 2025! Look for these new fiction titles coming soon
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Visit the New Book shelf in the Young Readers’ Room!
The dawn of a New Year is just a few sleeps away, so some questions may loom for you... 'what books will I read next year? There were such great ones in 2024...what will strike my fancy for 2025?’ … [Read More...] about Visit the New Book shelf in the Young Readers’ Room!
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Sweet baking recipes and stories for your happy holidays!
By Diana Lamb
We are in the midst of oven season and holiday baking is still in high gear. Whether you are looking for a new quick and easy brownie recipe or an impressive show-stopping dessert, these new sweet … [Read More...] about Sweet baking recipes and stories for your happy holidays!
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Double the joy of reading with these books on… reading!
With all the free time we have during the holidays (she says with a wink), I thought I’d introduce you to some good books that might help fill all those hours when you’re not baking, decorating, … [Read More...] about Double the joy of reading with these books on… reading!
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Learn how to craft gifts to give this holiday season
The holiday season is almost upon us! The weather is getting colder and gifts need to be acquired. Instead of rushing out to the nearest store, try to make something for the person you care for. It … [Read More...] about Learn how to craft gifts to give this holiday season