A.K. Smiley Public Library Blog

Serving the City of Redlands, California since 1894

Archives for November 2020

Contribute Family Memories to the Redlands Home Movie Preservation Project

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As we look toward a holiday season that is both familiar and yet, by necessity, different this year, we are given the opportunity to look back and reflect upon seasons past. When many think about historical materials, what often comes to mind are old, dusty documents and books, and yet the reality of the Archives at A.K. Smiley Public Library is anything but that. Just over a year ago, the Library embarked upon an exciting new project to digitize and preserve the 8mm, Super 8, and 16mm home movies that were so popular from the 1930s through the 1970s. Because of the expense of the medium, only those who could afford it were able to utilize it, but it also meant that it was reserved for the moments in life that were most important to the families capturing them. That often meant the excitement of the holidays.

Thanks to the families who have contributed their own family history to the Redlands Home Movie Preservation Project, Redlanders into the future can experience a slice of the holidays in motion, from opening gifts around the tree, to large family dinners and gatherings, to community events like the Redlands Christmas Parade. For example, Don Payne captured his family’s Christmas celebration in 1954, replete with the excitement of opening presents that included an 8mm film setup. Twelve years later, the Ford family brought their home movie camera to record the 1966 Redlands Christmas Parade for posterity. In 1975, the Williams family documented the thrill – and exhaustion – of Christmas morning.

Whatever traditions we follow, films like these demonstrate the more universal values of family, togetherness, excitement, support, and generosity.

If you, family, or friends have home movies that help illustrate and tell the story of life in Redlands, please contact the Heritage Room at (909) 798-7632 or heritage@akspl.org. We hope you and yours have a safe and healthy holiday season!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comfort Food Recipes We Need in 2020

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“So what exactly is comfort food? It’s food that’s not just nourishing but it’s also emotionally satisfying.” Ina Garten
Without a doubt, 2020 has been a stressful and emotionally unsettling year. In times like these, many of us turn to food to soothe our frayed and jangled nerves. Which foods help you to feel better? Is it grilled cheese and tomato soup, pancakes, nachos, ice cream, chocolate chip cookies, macaroni and cheese or all of the above? No matter if it is hot, cold, salty, sweet, crunchy or creamy, you’ll discover something new or nostalgic to enjoy in the following cookbooks.
Ina Garten’s twelfth cookbook couldn’t have arrived at a better time and is appropriately titled, “Modern Comfort Food.” In it, you’ll find many familiar recipes that have been given an ‘Ina upgrade.’ These include Ultimate Beef Stew made with tender boneless short ribs, pancetta and a splash of Cognac to enrich this timeless meat and potato dish. Creamy Tomato Bisque served alongside Cheddar & Chutney Grilled Cheese sandwiches, are a welcome lunchtime duo. Roasted Sausages, Peppers and Onions are delicious by themselves, spooned atop a hoagie roll or over Fresh Corn Polenta. For something sweet and decadent, Ina has Bittersweet Chocolate Cake which is rich and dense like a brownie or lava cake, Milk Chocolate Oreo Ice Cream and Giant Crinkled Chocolate Chip Cookies sprinkled with sea salt while still warm from the oven.
Since 2011, Melina Davies has been keeping Angelinos well fed at her restaurants. Now you can duplicate Melina’s sought-after dishes in your kitchen with her debut cookbook, “Olive & Thyme.” Roasted chicken coated with an aromatic spice rub and slowly cooked in the oven with or without a nest of vegetables makes for a classic and satisfying meal. Any leftover meat may be used in a Classic Cobb Salad, Curry Chicken Salad or Spicy Chicken Bowtie Pasta with feta, cilantro and scallions tossed in a creamy Russian dressing with a kick. For some, mac and cheese is the quintessential comfort food. If you agree, then get ready for Melina’s version of this beloved dish. Bacon, Macaroni and Cheese blends parmesan, sharp white cheddar and gruyere cheeses with pasta and smoky bacon. The casserole receives a layer of toasted breadcrumbs for a crunchy golden crust. The photo alone is irresistible!
Muffins, biscuits, cornbread, cookies, pies and cakes are all here in “The Good Book of Southern Baking” by Kelly Fields. Flaky, multi-layered golden biscuits are attainable with Kelly’s The Baker’s Biscuits recipe. Other varieties to try are Angel, Drop, Beaten and Sweet Potato Biscuits. A Southern baking book would not be complete without cornbread. Willa Jean Cornbread is Kelly’s version which is baked in a cast iron skillet. For those who are short on time, grab a box of Jiffy corn bread mix and use the ideas listed on page 37 for additional sweet or savory ideas. Thanksgiving is almost upon us and this is the holiday to show off your mad pie baking skills. There are 18 delicious offerings to crown your feast like Apple Streusel, Sweet Potato and Toasted Honey Marshmallow or Pumpkin Pie with Roasted White Chocolate Cream.
Lastly, is a trio of books written by or about familiar people from television. They are “The Happy in a Hurry Cookbook” by Steve and Kathy Doocy, “Just Feed Me” by Jessie James Decker and “Friends: The Official Cookbook” by Amanda Yee with recipes for Bathtub Fried Chicken, Central Perk’s “Birthday” Muffins and The Moist Maker Sandwich.
The staff here at Smiley Public Library wishes all of you a safe and peaceful holiday season.

Library Offers New E-Resource for Students, Job Seekers, and Veterans

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Smiley Library is pleased to announce the addition of a new electronic resource. Brainfuse JobNow/VetNow is an all-in-one suite of services designed for students, job seekers, and veterans. Brainfuse can help you tackle a resume, write a cover letter, navigate the VA system, or adjust to a civilian career. You don’t have to be a veteran or a student to use this service. It’s available to all library cardholders.

Brainfuse allows students to connect with expert tutors in real time to assist in the areas of math, science, reading, writing, history, and standardized test preparation including the PSAT, SAT, ACT, and AP tests. You can also receive one-on-one assistance with studying for the GED and college placement tests.

For job seekers, expert coaches are ready to help you practice your interview skills, create your resume, write cover letters, and study for tests. You can get help with reading and writing, and attend Microsoft Office computer classes. Coaches are also available to help you find and apply for jobs in your field and geographic area.

If you are a veteran, Brainfuse allows you to connect with live coaches to ensure you’re receiving all the services for which you’re eligible. Coaches also help veterans with job searching and adjusting to life as a civilian.

You can use Brainfuse’s secure file sharing in the writing lab to submit documents to coaches any time of the day for feedback. The Brainfuse full-service test center offers practice tests for all levels in math, reading, writing, and college preparatory tests, plus the U.S. citizenship test.

Brainfuse JobNow/VetNow was generously provided free of charge by the California State Library in order to help people with school and work during the COVID-19 pandemic. We’re very appreciative and excited to share this resource with our patrons.

Log on to www.akspl.org/elibrary to get started.