Teens, I’m aware that many of you will be heading back to school in the very near future. I’m excited for you! But, I’m also sad. I will miss seeing you at the library when your busy back-to-school … [Read More...] about Keep visiting the library, teens, but, after school!
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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.

Summer titles for curious readers of art
Summer’s longer days offer an opportunity to make time for activities we often set aside. For me, the extra daylight is an opportunity for one of my favorite hobbies, reading books about art. My … [Read More...] about Summer titles for curious readers of art

Shannon’s sc-sc-scary summertime selections
There is something about this time of year that makes me want to stay up late and read a scary book with just the moon and stars as company. The quiet, darkness, and being alone is the perfect … [Read More...] about Shannon’s sc-sc-scary summertime selections

Pawsitively enchanting books
By Ruth Aguilar
Within people’s souls I like to imagine there is a concrete path, a sidewalk, where you will find the indentations of little paws, pressed softly but confidently into the promenade. There must be some … [Read More...] about Pawsitively enchanting books

Check out these new books for the Youth Services Summer Reading Challenge!
Summer is here! It’s our busiest time of the year here in the Young Readers’ Room, with our Summer Reading Program about halfway finished. We have programs and events for children every Tuesday and … [Read More...] about Check out these new books for the Youth Services Summer Reading Challenge!

Adult Learner achieves lifelong goal
By Kitty Huff
The Redlands Adult Literacy Program’s foremost goal is to teach adults reading and writing skills, but while learning these skills, adult learners build their confidence and discover new strengths. … [Read More...] about Adult Learner achieves lifelong goal

The American semiquincentennial: 250 years of perseverance
"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
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!
