Ted Conable

In 2025, A.K. Smiley Public Library is excited to explore the possibility of introducing a seed library to better serve our patrons and enrich the area. A seed library, at its core, is a collection of seeds that patrons can “borrow” to grow in their own gardens.  The concept is simple but can be profoundly impactful, blending education, sustainability, and community engagement in a single initiative.

The environmental benefits of a seed library are significant. By encouraging local gardening and reducing reliance on commercially packaged seeds, which often travel long distances, we can promote sustainability. Offering seeds suitable for our region helps gardeners grow plants that thrive in the climate of Southern California while supporting pollinators and biodiversity. Additionally, a seed library opens the door to learning opportunities for all ages. Programs on gardening basics, composting, and native plants can empower our patrons to develop new skills and deepen their connection to nature. Children in particular can benefit from hands-on activities that teach them where their food comes from and the importance of caring for the environment.

Beyond environmental and educational value, a seed library can bring people together in other meaningful ways. By creating a space where gardeners – from beginner to expert – can exchange seeds, tips, and stories, the library continues to be a hub for shared knowledge and collaboration. Seed swaps, gardening clubs, and workshops in town can all stem from this initiative, fostering a sense of community that extends beyond the walls of the library.

Taking our collection in bold new directions also highlights the evolving role of public libraries – we’re not just places for books but centers for lifelong learning. A seed library perfectly aligns with our mission to provide access to both resources and information, demonstrating how libraries can adapt to the changing needs of the people we serve.

The process of using a seed library is straightforward. Patrons borrow seeds, plant them, and if possible, save seeds from their harvest to return to the library. Even those unable to save seeds can participate, as the library will maintain a stock through donations and partnerships with local organizations.

As we move forward with this idea in 2025, we’ll be seeking input and feedback from our patrons to shape our seed library to meet local needs and wants. Stay tuned for updates and opportunities to get involved as we look forward to sowing the seeds for a greener, more connected future.

~ Principal Librarian Ted Conable

In this era of rising costs and increasing financial pressures, public libraries stand as one of the last bastions of free resources and community support. At A.K. Smiley, we recognize the essential role we play in providing a space where everyone, regardless of income or background, can access the tools they need to learn, grow, and thrive. From books and games to special programs and collections, the Library offers a wealth of opportunities to explore new interests, sharpen skills, and connect with others—all without the expectation of spending a dime.

Our commitment to serving our community, particularly underserved groups, has led to the introduction of our newest collection: the Stay Sharp kits from Penworthy. These kits are being added to our collection in response to conversations with local community members about how we can do more for adults with special needs and other vulnerable populations. The result is a set of engaging, thoughtfully curated activity kits designed to improve memory, cognition, and social skills.

The Stay Sharp kits are a reflection of the Library’s mission to provide resources that empower and uplift our patrons. For example, the Cat Kit—one of four kits in this new collection—features a range of cat-themed activities that stimulate the mind while offering a fun and enjoyable experience. It includes a DK Eyewitness Cat book, Cat Bingo, Costumed Cats Memory Game, Animal Snap Card Game, and a Cat’s Whiskers Jigsaw Puzzle. These activities are particularly beneficial for adults with special needs and seniors, including those with Alzheimer’s, as they work to enhance memory, mental speed, and creative thinking.

But these kits are more than just a new addition to our shelves—they represent our ongoing dedication to being a resource for the entire community. Libraries are among the last “third spaces”—places where people can gather, learn, and engage without the need to spend money. Libraries are places where curiosity is the only cost of admission, and where every visitor can find something to inspire, challenge, or comfort them. Whether you’re checking out a book, using our computers, attending a program, or borrowing a Stay Sharp kit, A.K. Smiley Public Library is here to serve you.

Stay Sharp will be available soon to check out or use here at the Library. Keep your eyes peeled for this exciting new collection, and remember that at Smiley, our doors are always open to you.

Welcome back, adventurers, to the continuation of the series where we answer that age-old question, “What’s in the basement at A.K. Smiley?” Our latest exploration into the depths of the Library has unearthed some truly fascinating artifacts that not only tell us about the past, but offer opportunities to reflect on the present.

First up, we discovered a dazzling disco ball trophy with a plaque reading, “Dancing With The Stars Winner” from the Redlands Symphony Gala, 2012. This glittering prize from a night of glamor and excitement reminds us of the community spirit that pervades the City of Redlands. The 2012 Gala was a memorable affair which featured over 200 enticing options up for auction including gourmet dinners in private homes, luxury seats at a Lakers game, jewelry, wine, exotic trips to Hawaii or Italy, and one special trip to New York City which included tickets to the David Letterman show.

Next, we stumbled upon a large document with dozens of signatures, thanking former Mayor Waldo F. Burroughs for his dedicated service to the City of Redlands. This plaque highlights the profound impact Mayor Burroughs had on the community, commemorating the lasting legacy he left behind. Mayor Burroughs was elected in 1958 and served until 1970. He was remembered in a 2017 article from The Sun which celebrated the 50^th anniversary of the Redlands Boys and Girls Club – the mayor is shown cutting the ribbon to open the club in 1967, which remains open today.

After investigating these artifacts, we grabbed a random book: Good Housekeeping from 1915 which had a section titled ‘Your Daughter’s Career’ that extolled the benefits of education for young women. One standout quote reads: “Any woman who is going into newspaper work should know how to write. General education, culture, the larger the background of that kind one has the better, I think, in newspaper work, as in all other work. Personally, I am much in favor of the college education. I am not a college woman myself, so my favoritism can’t be prejudice.” This echoes the timeless value of a well-rounded education and the importance of embracing diverse perspectives.

Our final find is from the Book Review Digest of 1924, featuring a review of H.G. Wells’ ‘The Dream.’ The review describes the story as a vehicle for Wells’ critique of modern civilization, with the barbarity and superstition of the World War era being likened to prehistoric times. It’s a poignant reminder that the critical examination of society and its conventions is as relevant today as it was a century ago.

These treasures from the Library basement give us a fascinating glimpse into the past, but still resonate deeply with our present. As we navigate the complexities of our modern world, it’s intriguing to see how themes of community, education, and social critique have endured through the ages. Until next time, stay curious, and keep wondering, “What’s in the basement?”

While patrons roam the familiar shelves and hallways of Smiley Library, a hidden world of mysteries lies concealed beneath their feet. Locked away from public view, the basement of the Library harbors a trove of esoteric artifacts, each with a story waiting to be told. Normally a space seen only by Smiley staff and the tireless volunteers of the Friends of the Library, this article aims to pull back the curtain on this space and answer that burning question one can’t help but wonder: What’s in the basement? 

Our exploration begins with a miniature marvel – a dollhouse replica of the iconic Morey Mansion. The beautiful Victorian home, built in 1890, has been dubbed “America’s Favorite Victorian House” and has been featured in films and movies for decades. The dollhouse is one of several in a collection modeled after famous homes in Redlands. Delicately crafted and meticulously detailed, the dollhouse offers a tiny view into a bygone era. 

Elsewhere in the basement is a large metallic scale, manufactured by Toledo company. Its face lists “desirable weights” for men and women, exuding a vintage charm despite its somewhat dated health standards. The scale encapsulates the idea of “They don’t build ‘em like that anymore” as it stands as tall as a grown man and weighs about the same. This specific scale used to stand in front of Gair’s, a local Redlands menswear store, until it was donated and became part of the Library’s historical collection. 

Our next item comes from a group of books going back over a century on a variety of topics ranging from local to international. One such book, selected at random, is the Reports of the Secretary of War, 1881-1885. Ancient volumes like this, while not the most riveting read, provide a crucial window into American history for historians and scholars. During this period the United States Army would have been involved in expanding into the Pacific with the establishment of naval bases on Hawaii and Guam. The decade also saw wars with Native American tribes, which would ultimately culminate in the Battle of Wounded Knee in 1890. 

Another book in the basement is called Current Literature from 1911 to 1912. This title provides a fascinating glimpse into what people were reading over a century ago, and is reminiscent of our own “What’s New” articles today!  Some noteworthy titles from that year included “Ethan Frome,” by Edith Wharton, “The Secret Garden,” by Frances Hodgson Burnett, “The Lost World” by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and “Tarzan of the Apes” by Edgar Rice Burroughs. 

Although the secrets of the Smiley basement may remain hidden from view, they serve as a reminder of the rich tapestry of history we curate at the Library. As you explore the stacks above, we invite you to ponder the mysteries that lie beneath your feet, and perhaps you too will find yourself asking, “What’s in the basement?”