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A.K. Smiley Public Library Blog

Serving the City of Redlands, California since 1894

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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.

The American semiquincentennial: 250 years of perseverance

June 28, 2026 By Teresa Letizia

"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

Happy PRIDE! New reads to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community — a chance to expand our horizons 

June 21, 2026 By Ciara Lightner

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!!

June 15, 2026 By Pamela Martinez

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!

June 8, 2026 By Allison Peyton

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!

May 31, 2026 By Kristina Naftzger

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

May 24, 2026 By Celina Lozano

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

May 17, 2026 By Shannon Harris

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 

May 10, 2026 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!

May 3, 2026 By Emily Windver

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

April 26, 2026 By Renee Kennedy

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

Previous Posts

  • Find your joy as a nature-ally!
  • Look for these books with big ideas for little readers!
  • 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
  • Teens, take a bite out of these true tales.. with a side of eerie!

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Recent Posts

  • The American semiquincentennial: 250 years of perseverance
  • 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!!

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