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Teens, undoubtedly you have noticed a national election is quickly approaching. While elections are always contentious, the recent past has witnessed some of the wildest contests to-date, and with an explosion of unreliable news sources slithering around the Internet and social media, it’s easy for important issues to get muddied. One of those issues is immigration. It confuses me! I didn’t want to be swayed by generalizations rooted in anxiety and fear, so I set out on a mission to inform my opinion using Young Adult (YA) literature as a starting point.

While I didn’t expect these YA books to clarify any complicated policy arguments, I did hope to humanize the issue with stories about human beings, some real and some fictional, that would help me avoid seeing immigrants through a single, threatening lens. Even if you’re not old enough to vote in this election, you’re definitely old enough to think about important things, so I’m sharing my reading list if, like me, you’re interested a fuller perspective.

It all started with Thien Pham’s Young Adult graphic novel memoir “Family Style: Memories of an American from Vietnam.” First of all, it’s a graphic novel, a format that excels at conveying nuance and emotion because, of course, the story isn’t limited to words. Illustrations are so layered and revealing! And graphic novels are so speedy and fun to read! (Ad break for graphic novels over, back to the book.) “Family Style” follows Thien’s experiences as a kid when his family fled Vietnam in the late seventies and landed in a totally new world: Northern California.

Thien’s young life, which swings from traumatic episodes (his boat to the Songkhla Refugee Camp was attacked by pirates!) to moments of exhilarating triumph (the girl he has a crush on enters his family’s video store!), is remembered in the context of food; each chapter is titled with the dish that defines that specific time in his life, from bánh cuốn to steak and potatoes. If you want to satisfy your inner foodie while simultaneously opening your eyes to the whiplashing experience of leaving everything you know behind—or if Thien’s story resonates with you—order up a serving of “Family Style.”

In “Breathe and Count Back from Ten” by Natalia Sylvester, seventeen-year-old Verónica feels like she can’t do anything to satisfy her overprotective, Peruvian-born parents. It doesn’t help that she has hip dysplasia, a medical condition that makes moving around in everyday life painful…except when she’s in the water. When an opportunity arises for her to audition for her dream job performing in her town’s local attraction, Mermaid Cove, she knows her parents will think it’s a waste of time, and worse, a waste of their sacrifices. Nor will they understand Verónica’s budding feelings for her new, cute neighbor (understatement).

Sometimes you arrive at inflection points in your life; points that force you to decide whose dreams you’re going to follow…yours or someone else’s? So many relatable issues bubble to the surface in “Breathe and Count Back from Ten”…check it out if it sounds like something you may be into.

You may also want to add “Americanized: Rebel Without a Green Card” by Sara Saedi and “An Emotion of Great Delight” by Tahereh Mafi to your reading list if you don’t want to stop here. Even though I definitely still don’t know everything there is to know about immigration in the context of politics, I’m glad these stories are now with me to help me resist fear and recognize connection. We hope you’ll come find stories, on any topic, that help you do the same.

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.

Not sure what to check out at the library? That’s o.k. A major perk of public libraries is the opportunity to come in without preconceived ideas of what you’re looking for and just check out books that catch your eye. I enjoy perusing the shelves for topics new to me, that broaden my interests. Smiley Library’s new book section is the perfect place to start browsing. Here are a few of the gems I found.

The title is what first captured my attention, “Tap Dancing on Everest: a Young Doctor’s Unlikely Adventure” by MiMi Zieman. A twenty-five-year-old medical student and only woman with a small expedition of mountain climbers acts as their support doctor as the team attempts a new and extremely dangerous route up the East Face of Everest without using supplemental oxygen or Sherpa support. This true story opens at Advanced Base Camp where Zieman and a photographer, Joe, search the endless white mountain slope for the climbing team, which is progressing toward the summit. It had been days since they last saw them. The team is in what is called the Death Zone, an elevation above 26,000 feet. Zieman explains that “no climber has ever survived more than three days in the Death Zone without supplemental oxygen.” It was now towards the end of day six. This memoir drew me in from its opening pages. Along with recounting her daring adventure, Zieman fill us in on her family background, upbringing as a daughter of Jewish immigrants in New York, her personal struggles, and path to Everest. An exceptional and honest read.

The cover is what got me on the next one. It shows a retro pic of four girls, looking hip and holding guitars. Mary McGlory and Sylvia Saunders tell their story in “The Other Fab Four: The Remarkable True Story of the Liverbirds, Britain’s First Female Rock Band.” It was 1962 when Mary, age 16, along with her friend and cousins, first saw The Beatles play at the Cavern Club in Liverpool and that’s precisely what inspired them to form an all-female band. Untroubled that no one knew how to play, or even owned instruments, they were determined to follow their dream. With a lot of practicing along the way, and few band-member changes, Mary, Valerie, Sylvia, and Pamela became the Liverbirds. Follow their story as they gained notoriety, played alongside the Kinks, and the Stones, and found an extensive fan base in Germany. Of course, in addition to reading their book, I had fun checking out their music videos, too.

After exploring our new books, head over to the displays, located near the front entrance and circulation desk. We change these out often, highlighting collections of topical interest. There are always unique items to peruse here. Gamers take note! Our current glass display case features a look into gaming’s past. Which retro games do you recognize? We’ve got video games for check out, too. They’re located at the end of our new book section by the reference desk.

Come in and find a treasure of your own. We’ll see you soon.

The Redlands Adult Literacy Program is preparing to publish its seventh volume of Our Stories, A Collection of Writings, composed of writings from adult learners and tutors who participate in the Redlands Adult Literacy Program. This year’s collection includes the voices of over 40 authors, including young voices from the Family Literacy Program. As tutor Claudia Guillaume wrote in the anthology’s introduction, “Welcome to Our Stories,” each story “adds a unique perspective…that illustrates the courage to accept challenges and overcome learning and language barriers while navigating daily life with resourcefulness, determination, and grace. This anthology is a reflection of the heart, soul, and imagination.”

Our Stories, A Collection of Writings, Volume 7 will soon be available at A. K. Smiley Library for checkout. In the interim, we would like to share a few of the authors’ messages.

Author-learner Pedro Cruz wrote “The Freedom to Read,” a story illustrating several ways that the adult literacy program is important to him. He wrote, “When I began the program, I was hesitant to read a book. Now I am eager to check out my next book.” He shared that his self-esteem and confidence have increased through reading a wide variety of books. Pedro wants to read about history, different cultures and experiences, and different types and styles of photography. “I want people … to be more active in supporting your local libraries and your literacy program. I advocate for you to help people to understand how important the freedom to read is and how valuable the literacy program is to us and to our community.”

Several stories in this anthology included descriptions of how the lives of the authors have changed when they overcame the challenges they faced due to their low reading and writing skills. One author wrote about how his reading has improved a lot over the year and a half that he has been part of the literacy program. “I have read about 20 books…. I like to read biographies, true stories that encourage me to work harder.” Now, when he goes out to eat, he can read the menu. He reads books to his young granddaughters and he is able to pay attention to details like paying his own bills. The literacy program has given him confidence and he expressed his gratitude for all of the help he has been given.

Stories in this collection reflect the wide range of writing levels of adults in the literacy program. Each author worked diligently through the writing process with the assistance of a volunteer tutor. By working with their tutors, learners develop vital literacy skills that help them overcome obstacles in their lives.

On September 17, the Redlands City Council will consider the approval of a proclamation declaring Sunday, September 29, Adult Literacy Day in Redlands. In prior years the City Council declared Adult Literacy Day in Redlands to emphasize the importance of literacy in employment, family education, and civic engagement.

To further celebrate the life-changing impact of literacy, the Redlands community is invited to join the Adult Literacy Program in its Celebration of Authors on Sunday, September 29, at 2:00 pm at The Contemporary Club, 173 S. Eureka St., Redlands. Adult Learners will read from their works which were published in the anthology.  Light refreshments will be served.

If you are interested in learning more about volunteering with the Redlands Adult Literacy Program, please contact Diane Shimota, Adult Literacy Coordinator, at (909) 798-7565 ext. 4110 or email literacy@akspl.org. The next volunteer tutor orientation is scheduled for September 11, 2024, at 6:00 pm at A.K. Smiley Library. Please contact the literacy program to reserve your space.

If you know of someone who needs help in reading and writing, please encourage them to take the first step in changing their life by contacting the Redlands Adult Literacy Program. Tutoring is free and confidential.

Back to school week has arrived! Some students are beginning a new era of their school experiences. Perhaps a new school, a new teacher, and new friends are on the horizon. To help navigate these new experiences, here are just a few of the school-themed books we have on hand to help your student adjust to new surroundings. The Youth Services Crew is always happy to offer more titles for you as well!

Here are a few picture books for the younger readers you may like to check out. Llama Llama Back to School written by Reed Duncan will have youngsters eager to head back to school tomorrow!  Kids have had a nice summer break, so how do parents gear up the excitement for the kids to get prepared for school? Llama Llama’s mama is reminding him that school is starting up soon…what’s a llama to do? Check this one out to find out if Llama Llama is school ready.

Libby Loves Science States of Matter by Kimberly Derting will have students excited about science class! Libby and her friends are learning about matter and experiments when a new student enters the class. Will Libby and her friends be able to survive the melting ice cream incident? Check this out quickly and enjoy a cool scoop of ice cream as a treat!

Diary of a Minecraft Zombie Back to Scare School is written by Zack Zombie. Seventh grade was a breeze for Zombie. But how will eighth grade be for a successful seventh grade graduate? Filled with humor and perhaps a couple of scary zombie moments, check this book out and have a good old-fashioned scare!

Isabel and her Colores Go to School written by Alexandra Alessandri will have kids excited to get to school as quickly as possible! Isabel is nervous about starting a new school. But as many new kids find out, friendships are easy to make. And with Isabel’s keen sense of drawing pictures, the language barrier can’t stop instant friendships. Check out Isabel’s story today.

Poor David has got his work cut out for him with the dastardly twins, who happen to be his neighbors. David is excited to start school to get a break from the Romero twins, but lo and behold, new triplets who are quite menacing are now students in his school. What is David going to do? Check out Twins vs. Triplets Back-to-School Blitz by Jennifer Torres right away and find out if David is able to fend off all of these obnoxious siblings.