A.K. Smiley Public Library Blog

Serving the City of Redlands, California since 1894

“Democracy depends on an informed population. And where can people get all the information they need? —At the Library.” – Elliot Shelkrot, (Media Talk videotape)

“Libraries will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no libraries.” – Anne Herbert

Library Staff

Honoring the Hispanic Heritage of Redlands

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On September 9, 1932, El Aguila premiered at the Redlands House of Neighborly Service. Featuring the talents of members of the city’s Mexican American community, the long-awaited stage production included beautiful costumes, a stringed orchestra, and sets complete with family heirlooms to provide an air of authenticity. Written by Redlander Bruce McDaniel, the play tells the story of Estrellita and her beau El Aguila who is disguised as a bandit to avenge Estrellita’s family.

Stars Luisa and Jose Munoz, the rest of the cast, musicians, and crew won rave reviews from spectators, which included theater directors from the Padua Hills Theater and Pasadena Playhouse. A celebration of Mexican culture, El Aguila went on to be staged at the Beaumont Bogart Theater and the Little Theater in Padua Hills the following year.

Photographs of the lavish sets and costumes are a part of the House of Neighborly Service Collection in the Library’s Heritage Room.

National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed September 15 through October 15 in the United States.

Friends of the Library Book Sale is Back!

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The Friends of A.K. Smiley Public Library will conduct a book sale beginning Sunday, August 30, and continuing through Wednesday, September 2. The sale will take place in the Contemporary Club located at 173 S. Eureka Street in Redlands, behind the Lincoln Memorial Shrine.

The hours and prices are:

—Sunday, August 30, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

$3 per item

—Monday, August 31, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

$3 per item

—Tuesday, September 1, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

$2 per item

—Wednesday, September 2, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

$1 per item

Silent auction items also available!

Cash, check, and credit cards will be accepted. No coins at this time.

Reminders: Social Distancing will be observed. Masks will be available; wearing a mask will be required at all times.

 

Online Workshop, “Every Voice Counts: Understanding the 2020 Census”

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A.K. Smiley Public Library has partnered with the San Bernardino Area League of Women Voters to present a free online Zoom workshop about the 2020 U.S. Census. View online the recording of the workshop, shared on the Library’s Facebook page, which took place Thursday, August 20.

The state of California has only had a 65% response rate to the 2020 Census. A census is more than a population count. It’s an opportunity to shape your community’s future. Census results determine how many seats each state gets in Congress. Results are also used to improve communities by improving schools, emergency services, social services, freeways, roads and bridges. It’s all about fair representation. Every voice counts!

Federal law keeps your census answers strictly confidential. You will not be asked about your citizenship status or political affiliation. Your answers can never be used against you in any way.

The 2020 Census is counting every person living in the United States and five U.S. territories. It takes less that 10 minutes to complete. You are able to respond online, by phone, or by mail.

Get answers to these questions and many more at the August 20th online workshop:

  • Is it safe to take part in the 2020 Census?
  • Will they ask about my immigration status?
  • Will my information be kept confidential?
  • What happens if I don’t answer the questions?
  • Is the Census politically motivated?
  • Should I list all the children in my home?
  • Will my family’s privacy be respected?

Register today by clicking here:

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_n8orVGTqRvGkA2taVhp1iA

Celebrating Black Authors and Black Lives

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We have received inquiries about the materials we have available in our collections by Black authors and/or on the topic of race relations. In the spirit of expanding public dialogue, the staff has put together the following partial list of titles in our collections, which is in no particular order.

Click on the title and be directed to the record of the book in our online catalog. From there you may click on “Place Hold,” (at no charge) while signed into your account, in order to request the book through our Books to Go program.

On the topic of diversity among authors, please see recent blog posts, Books for Teens Explore Social Injustice, as well as Books from Diverse Authors Help to Build Compassion, Understanding, and Discover New Voices in Poetry, each of which discusses some of these titles.

Streaming video service Kanopy, located in our eLibrary, is currently featuring films about racial and social injustice. Inspiring documentaries, like “The Talk: Race in America,” “P.S. I Can’t Breathe,” and many others, can also help contribute to a more open dialogue about race relations in modern America.

Adult Fiction & Nonfiction

Children (YRR) / Young Adult (YA)