What's New

New books are added to the collections of A.K. Smiley Public Library every day. Here’s a random sampling of a few of the new non-fiction books with a glimpse into what is between the book covers.

Exotic butterflies, Belize, wildlife sanctuary, nature, Mayan civilization, ecotourism, living in a rainforest, human connections, a butterfly farm, and the effects of a hurricane and a pandemic. All of these subjects are contained in journalist Diana Marcum’s memoir, “The Fallen Stones: Chasing Butterflies, Discovering Mayan Secrets, and Looking for Hope along the Way.” The author’s vivid descriptions and sense of humor make this a memorable narrative.

Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, motivation, inventiveness, determination, discrimination, success, and a Pepsi executive are all topics covered in “Flamin’ Hot: The Incredible True Story of One Man’s Rise from Janitor to Top Executive.” Richard P. Montañez’s personal journey is quite an inspiring story.

Archaeology, 3 million years, six continents, explorers, ancient cities, secret codes, treasures, tombs, looters, history, and curses. National Geographic’s “Lost Cities, Ancient Tombs: 100 Discoveries that Changed the World” explores these subjects and more in a little over 500 pages with color photographs. This book will undoubtedly evoke curiosity to learn more about some of these histories of the human journey.

Most people have heard the old adage, “Too many books, not enough time.” As of lately, I have been finding myself short on time to read (insert audible gasp here). So, here are a few new titles from the fiction collection that I am looking forward to reading. That is, when I have the time to read.

Sundial, Catriona Ward’s latest horror novel looks like a terrifyingly good read. If her name looks familiar to you, you might have read her previous novel, The Last House on Needless Street.

Young Mungo is Douglas Stuart’s latest novel. Stuart won the 2020 Booker Prize for his beautiful novel Shuggie Bain, one of my favorite books that I have read to date.

Quan Barry’s latest novel, When I’m Gone Look for Me in the East, takes the reader on a spiritual quest through the Mongolian landscape. Barry’s previous novel, We Ride Upon Sticks, took us on a journey through young adulthood with a field hockey team, which I really enjoyed reading a few years ago.

One book I am really looking forward to reading is Simone St. James’ latest novel, The Book of Cold Cases. St. James’ previous novel, The Sun Down Motel, was one of the only books to scare me enough that I didn’t want to turn off the lights.

These are just a few books that are on my never-ending to-be-read list. Come on down to the library, and check out these titles and many more.

 

For more information visit our website at www.akspl.org, or give us a call at 909-798-7565.

 

Spending more time outdoors has made a positive impact on me, both physically and mentally. It’s restorative to be out walking among the trees, along the coast, or wandering through a new city, learning a little history and admiring its culture. When you’re ready to step out, Smiley Library has a number of new books full of ideas for your outings.

Urban hiking combines the adventure of exploring interesting neighborhoods while enjoying the outdoors. Your journey may take you past historic architecture, colorful murals, shorelines, or town squares. “Urban Hikes Southern California: A Guide to the Area’s Greatest Urban Hiking Adventures” by Robert Inman showcases 41 different hikes along with maps, mileage, and pictures to pique your interest. Walk or take a ride on Angels Flight, the historic funicular railway in downtown Los Angeles featured on the Little Tokyo-Bunker Hill hike. Check out the Spruce Street Suspension Bridge in San Diego while roaming the Bankers Hill-Balboa Park vicinity. Inman even highlights a 5.8 mile loop hike right here in Redlands. If you have yet to walk around the 1897 Victorian mansion Kimberly Crest in Prospect Park, the French chateau cottages of Normandie Court, or look up into the colorful umbrellas above Orange Street Alley, then you should definitely put this on your list. The Redlands hike also references “the magnificent” Smiley Library. We couldn’t agree more.

Our circulating collection contains a variety of hiking guidebooks featuring different locales. These guides are useful resources with comprehensive lists of trails including information such as length, difficulty level, maps, and descriptions of the area. They include treks from easy day hikes to longer back-country trips. Just a few of the areas covered are the San Bernardino Mountains, Palm Springs, Anza Borrego, and the Pacific Crest Trail. Our newest additions would be perfect for experienced hikers and those up for an extended adventure. “Sierra North” and “Sierra South” by Elizabeth Wenk and Mike White take you into the gorgeous Sierra Nevadas of California on overnight to week-long backpacking expeditions. The authors include 80 trips for each book, so there is a wide range of excursions to choose from. My husband and I really enjoy the Bishop Pass trail out of South Lake. Even for day hiking, these useful books will introduce you to one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the West.

Tailored for kids, “Wild Days: Outdoor Play for Young Adventurers” by Richard Irvine is such a fun book to spark ideas for exploring nature. Over 50 activities, crafts, games, and lessons will encourage your kids to engage with the outdoors. Suggestions include stargazing, going on treasure hunts, listening to birdsong, building rope swings, and floating reed boats. This educational guide will entice your child to spend hours of fun in the fresh air.

We have many beautiful public hiking and walking trails available in Redlands. Enjoy the open space of San Timoteo Canyon or Herngt ‘Aki’ Preserve for starters. Information and maps can be found on the following website: www.redlandsconservancy.org/map and handouts of these maps are available at Smiley Library’s reader’s advisory desk. Brochures are also available for walks in the downtown Redlands area. Spotlighting prominent buildings and homes, “A Walking Tour of Historic Redlands” and “A Personality Tour of Historic Redlands” will help you discover Redlands’ past.

The Redlands Adult Literacy Program partners with organizations in the community to better meet the needs of adult learners. The new partnership between the Redlands Adult Literacy Program and YMCA of the East Valley which began last summer continues to thrive by offering meeting space for adult learner teams and programs that have grown out of Adult Literacy, including Family Literacy, and Conversation Corner, a program that helps adults practice their conversational English.

The Adult Literacy Program is grateful that the YMCA provides space for individual learner-tutor teams and for group instruction in literacy. All tutoring sessions are learner-driven; volunteer tutors help adult learners reach their individual literacy goals such as reading a book, writing a letter, getting a job, or helping children with their schoolwork. At the group literacy meetings, teams of learners and tutors work together, and then gather for group instruction by reading a book together and building their vocabulary and comprehension skills.

The Family Literacy Program is an extension of the Redlands Adult Literacy Program and was designed to support adult learners who are currently enrolled or plan to enroll in Adult Literacy. Participants have family-oriented goals such as reading a book to their child, or helping their children with schoolwork. Parental literacy is directly linked to the success of children in school. Recently, participants in the Family Literacy Program met at the YMCA of the East Valley. The families talked about what a “sport” is and why sports are important and each identified their favorite sport. Everyone learned that the game of basketball was introduced in 1891 by James Naismith, who worked at a YMCA in Massachusetts and published the first rules for the game. The children were introduced to three new sports: gymnastics, basketball, and soccer. Every child received a book about sports to add to their own home library.

Following the meeting, one mother commented that the family literacy meeting “encouraged exercise and being healthy.” Another mom said that her son enjoyed learning about sports. Adult learner Lida Gadea shared, “The Family Literacy Program allows my daughter and niece to make new friends and try new things. The meetings are fun for the adults as well. We appreciate today’s book because it teaches about many different sports.”

Conversation Corner helps adults who are trying to learn conversational English, so that they have the conversational skills required for enrolling into the Redlands Adult Literacy Program. Conversation Corner participants meet Tuesday mornings at 11:30 at the YMCA’s Heritage Room. Instructor Renee Kennedy welcomes adults who would like to practice speaking English in a friendly environment. Renee Kennedy shared, “Conversation Corner participants have talked about grocery products and favorite recipes, and practiced useful skills such as ways to introduce themselves to people they encounter in their daily lives. This informal setting is a great way to practice speaking English.” These meetings have a hybrid format with a Zoom option for those who are unable to meet in person.

If you know of someone who needs help in reading, writing, or English conversation, please encourage them to take the first step in changing their lives by contacting the Redlands Adult Literacy Program. All services are free and confidential.

The Redlands Adult Literacy Program seeks additional volunteers who can help motivated adults improve their reading and writing. If you would like to volunteer with the Redlands Adult Literacy Program, please contact Diane Shimota, Adult Literacy Coordinator, at (909) 798-7565 ext. 4138, email literacy@akspl.org, or visit the Adult Literacy website, akspl.org/literacy.

The Young Readers’ Room offers a non-fiction section of books that spans just over 25 bookshelf spaces! That is A-LOT of information to soak up! There are so many subject areas to learn about; it may be hard to choose where to begin! Fear not! The Youth Services Crew is here to help guide you to the perfect book!

We’ll begin with a new series we have available titled, “Who Would Win?” by Joseph Pallotta and illustrated by Rob Bolster. One of the titles in the series we’re spotlighting this week is “Ultimate Ocean Rumble.” This particular title encompasses many of the creatures found under the water, such as Great White Shark vs. Giant Manta Ray. This book series highlights qualities of each subject and determines which animal would win the battle. You can find this book under the call number, J591.77 P179u.

The next book selection for you to ponder is “What’s in Your Pocket? Collecting Nature’s Treasures,” written by Heather L. Montgomery and illustrated by Maribel Lechuga. This biography/nature book will have kids turning page after page to see if they can guess who the child turned out to be as a famous adult! The illustrations help speed along the adventure. You can find this book under J508 M766w.

Our next selection for your consideration is “We All Play = Kimêtawânaw” by author and illustrator Julie Flett. The author learned many of the animal habits from her father, a Cree Native American tribe member. This book is arranged in a picture book format, and at the end of this book you will find the Cree names of each of animals mentioned in the book. Please find this book under the call number of J591.5 F638w.

“How To Vanquish A Virus” written by Paul Ian Cross and illustrated by Steve Brown is filled to the last page with eight chapters breaking down viruses in kid lingo. Great illustrations, almost cartoonish, to go along with the text makes for a learning atmosphere of literature. Find this title under J616.24 C884h.

Volumes 4, 5, and 6 of the graphic novel series “Dragon Kingdom of Wrenly,” written by Jordan Quinn have arrived in the Young Readers’ Room! “Ice Dragon” is volume 6 and it’s about the Ice Festival, which is to be an amazing event. The Ice Dragon himself, who is thousands of years old, will make an appearance at the Ice Festival! Do you think Ruskin and his friends will be able to guarantee a safe event for all? Check this latest volume out soon to find out! You will find this series of books in our Graphic Novel section of books under J741.5 Q44d6.

We look forward to having you visit the Youth Services Department as soon as possible to check out some fabulous books!