While our weather is cold and rainy, it is a great time to turn on the oven and bake up a storm! For some fresh ideas and new recipes, come to Smiley Library and sample our latest baking books. If … [Read More...] about Mmmmm, stay warm and comfy with these culinary creations…
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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.

Poetry: the balm of the ages
Time is continuing its ever forward march. We have already made it to the half point of January and things really do need to slow down a bit. Take a bit of a break and check out these new poetry … [Read More...] about Poetry: the balm of the ages

Encore performance of Music of the West African Kora, January 17
A.K. Smiley Library invites you to an encore performance of Music of the West African Kora, presented by Sean Gaskell, on Tuesday, January 17 at 6:30pm at the Contemporary Club. This program will … [Read More...] about Encore performance of Music of the West African Kora, January 17

Young Adult book reviews for teens, by teens – you can write one too!
Teens, admit it. You are an avid reader of this column. Every week, you check the newspaper, desperate to find the latest Young Adult (YA) book reviews. I am sure of this! This is typical teen … [Read More...] about Young Adult book reviews for teens, by teens – you can write one too!

Let the library help you ring in the new year!
By Nancy McGee
2023 has arrived and A.K. Smiley Public Library is here to help you make, and hopefully, keep your New Year’s resolutions. Regardless of your optimistic plans for the year, we have books and other … [Read More...] about Let the library help you ring in the new year!

Enjoy the holidays with our favorite reads of 2022
2023 is literally a week away, and what better way to wrap up 2022 than with a list of staff recommendations. One of the many things I enjoy about working in a library is that if I am ever in a … [Read More...] about Enjoy the holidays with our favorite reads of 2022

Get Craftsy!
Attention all crafty people! Do you enjoy calligraphy, jewelry making, or photography? Are you writing your first novel, but need some instruction? A.K. Smiley Public Library’s online resource Craftsy … [Read More...] about Get Craftsy!

Redlands Adult Literacy Program welcomes two AmeriCorps members
Two AmeriCorps members have joined the Redlands Adult Literacy leadership team. The California Library Literacy Services (CLLS) and Literacyworks, a nonprofit that supports literacy programs, recently … [Read More...] about Redlands Adult Literacy Program welcomes two AmeriCorps members

Learn by Dewey-ing: new non-fiction for young readers!
With the upcoming holiday looming in the background, we have some new non-fiction books in the Young Readers’ Room that you can check out to read when you have some free time! Please peruse the … [Read More...] about Learn by Dewey-ing: new non-fiction for young readers!

Speedy dinner suggestions for the busy holiday season
By Diana Lamb
Thanksgiving has finished for another year, and we at Smiley Library hope it was a happy one. Now, the December holiday preparations and festivities are in full swing. For some speedy dinnertime … [Read More...] about Speedy dinner suggestions for the busy holiday season
Previous Posts
- Let’s recognize and honor the first peoples of our nation as we give thanks
- Books on the sciences that we can understand — and enjoy
- What’s new at Smiley Library: the 2022 Booker Prize winners
- Observe the 2022 Native American Heritage Month with these new books, periodicals
- From gothic to gory, terrifying tales in Teen Underground!