"From a small spark kindled in America, a flame has arisen not to be extinguished." -- Thomas Paine This year on the Fourth of July, we will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Second … [Read More...] about The American semiquincentennial: 250 years of perseverance
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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.

Happy PRIDE! New reads to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community — a chance to expand our horizons
Pride month continues on in full swing! Pride started as a riot, as those who were oppressed rose up to demand the respect and freedoms our constitution promised. Many of those rights and freedoms are … [Read More...] about Happy PRIDE! New reads to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community — a chance to expand our horizons

Summer Reading Program (for all ages!) kicks off June 18 — Fun & games, lunches, and prizes for READING!!
What’s New at the Smiley? Well, I’m happy to share with you that the Summer Reading Program 2026 is new! This year’s theme is “Plant a Seed, Read.” Kicking off Thursday, June 18, at 10:00 a.m., … [Read More...] about Summer Reading Program (for all ages!) kicks off June 18 — Fun & games, lunches, and prizes for READING!!

True crime tales to keep you up at night!
True crime is extremely popular! One can find it on TV, podcasts, and streaming services. California has seen its share of true crime (the Golden State Killer or the Night Stalker). Other cases here, … [Read More...] about True crime tales to keep you up at night!

Teens! Your Summer Reading Program starts June 18!
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!

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
