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As the 2025 Summer Reading Program comes to an end, we in the Young Readers’ Room are reflecting on the events of this year’s program. We are so grateful to the smart and talented kids and teens who have worked hard to give our program life over these last eight weeks. The countless books read and pieces of art created for our reading logs and Bookopoly boards have been more than wonderful. Among participants’ favorite challenges on the Bookopoly boards were the three “Create” themed squares: “draw a picture inspired by a book you read,” “write and illustrate your own mini book,” and “draw a map of the setting of a book you read.” To reference the theme of this year’s program, our world has been beautifully colored, many times over — artwork referencing familiar stories from Dogman to Fancy Nancy to Wings of Fire is currently on display in the Young Readers’ Room. While participants have rigorously tracked their books read and artwork created with the ultimate goal of winning a prize, it has been clear that motivations reach beyond this goal. The enthusiasm and pride each child has in sharing their completed work shines through every time we check off a reading log.

Each week of the Summer Reading Program, we have offered free programs and events for kids and teens, such as live animal shows, theater day camps, art programs, and STEAM workshops. It is with such love and gratitude for our community that I report that many of our Thursday shows brought us close to capacity with upwards of 300 people! These programs have resulted in countless memories that those in attendance won’t be forgetting anytime soon. One such moment was when Wild Man Dan kissed a toad onstage as a part of his live reptile show, resulting in a chorus of enthusiastic shrieks and groans from the audience. During Michael Rayner’s juggling and comedy show, Miss Kristina and I glanced at each other, wide-eyed in awe at the sight of four young audience members spinning plates effortlessly onstage. And who could forget Kids Imagine Nation’s three-horned, winged, flippered, turquoise and pink striped Tyrannosaurus Rex?

Through the transition from July to August, we in the Young Readers’ Room are staying busy preparing to resume our always-anticipated and amply-attended storytimes. Baby Storytime with Miss Kristina will resume with a slight change in schedule, on Thursday, August 7, both 9:30 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. Preschool Storytime with Miss Pamela will resume as usual on Tuesday, August 12 at 10:15 a.m. I am proud to announce that beginning August 14, families with kids aged 3-4 are invited to join me, Miss Emily, for Toddler Storytime every Thursday at 11:00 a.m.! Come visit Smiley Library to share some fun songs and stories with each of us.

We will be contacting our Summer Reading Program prize winners during the first week of August, so stay on the lookout for a call or voicemail from (909) 798-7674!

Writing is a core element of the Redlands Adult Literacy Program. This year, nine adult learners from the Redlands Adult Literacy Program at Smiley Library entered the Writer-to-Writer Challenge, a competition sponsored by the California State Library. The annual Writer-to-Writer Challenge invites adult literacy learners throughout California to read a book and then write a letter to its author, living or dead, sharing how reading their book has inspired them or impacted their life.

Writing a letter to an author requires adult learners to practice many skills, including: obtaining a library card and checking out a book that interests them, reading the book and comprehending its core message, revising a letter to the author so it communicates effectively, and finally, submitting the learner’s letter and application. All participants are recognized by the California State Library, and winners will be invited to read their letters at upcoming local literacy network events. Each of the nine adult learners from the Redlands Adult Literacy Program improved their literacy skills by participating in this challenge, and a few agreed to share their thoughts for this article.

Adult learner Cinderella Tran has participated in the challenge for the past several years. Cinderella said, “I enjoy participating in the Writer-to-Writer Challenge every year because it challenges me to improve my vocabulary and writing skills and allows me to share my feelings with authors about their books.”

This year Cinderella wrote to Margaret Cousins, author of Ben Franklin of Old Philadelphia. By reading this book, Cinderella learned that Ben Franklin was called a bookworm. Cinderella shared that she also wants to become a bookworm. She learned a lot about Ben Franklin and recommended the book to the adult learner book club. Cinderella wrote, “I admire Ben Franklin’s good heart; he helped adults and children to become literate. For me, I am improving my literacy skills to advocate for my daughter.”

Another adult literacy entrant, Vanessa Michel, won Honorable Mention in the advanced writer category for the letter she wrote to Sarah Fabiny, author of Who Was Frida Kahlo? She shared that reading this book made her understand courage. Vanessa wrote, “Now I realize that I can read books in the language that I always wanted to learn… Thank you for sharing your book and teaching us that women, regardless of their physical condition have the right to express themselves freely, whether with paintings, books, music, etc…. every time I see Frida’s story, anywhere, I visualize myself pursuing new projects, goals, and dreams. I know I’ll one day end up writing my own story.”

Writing to an author helps the reader think about central life themes. Think about your favorite book. What would you say to the author of that book about why it was important to you? How has a book changed your life?

Would you like to share the excitement of adult learners as they read books and gain new literacy skills? If you are interested in becoming a tutor, please contact the Redlands Adult Literacy Program at (909)798-7565 ext. 4110 or email literacy@akspl.org The next volunteer tutor orientation is August 19, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at the Library. If you know of someone who needs help in reading and writing, please encourage them to take the first step in changing their lives by contacting the Redlands Adult Literacy Program. The program is free and all materials are provided.

The alluring smoky aroma, the sizzle of basting food, and the distinctive look of charred spots and grill marks let you know it’s barbecue time! “Symon’s Dinners Cooking Out” by Michael Symon can help expand your outdoor menu with 100 recipes that also include refreshing cocktails and desserts. Invite some friends over for Symon’s juicy Lucy double cheese and bacon burgers with a side of Old Bay grilled corn, grilled eggplant parmesan, or spicy black cod with grilled lime. As a bonus, taking the party outside will help keep your kitchen cool.

Pool parties, cook outs, family reunions, and movie nights are all fun reasons to gather during the hot months. As a guest, you may ask or be asked to bring a dish. “What Can I Bring?” by Casey Elsass provides 75 recipe ideas for your next casual invite. Some examples are golden ratio guac and seven-onion dip to pair with your favorite chips. Perfect pasta salad can be dressed three ways with a choice of red sauce, oil + vinegar, or pesto. For something sweet without involving an oven, there is mango and sticky rice pudding, plus colorful party krispies.

 

Summer is the ideal season for simple-to-assemble no-fuss chilled treats. Bobby Lloyd has gathered a delicious collection of cool and creamy confections in her second cookbook, “Magnolia Bakery Icebox Desserts.” A slice of frozen key lime pie with a graham cracker crust might cool the palette after a spicy meal. Other refrigerated delights include Boston cream pie banana pudding layered with fudge icing, Nilla wafers and banana slices, apple or peach crisp ice box bars, and peanut butter whipped cream, and chocolate cookie ice box cake.

 

~ Diana Lamb, library specialist, and culinary book reviewer extraordinaire! ♥

IT’S STILL PRIDE MONTH FOR A FEW MORE DAYS! So, let’s explore a personal favorite genre of mine: Queer Horror. The idea of horror quite frequently focuses on the out of the ordinary, or the thing that is out of place. And, when you grow up feeling the same way, it makes sense to identify with creatures like Frankenstein’s monster or Dracula, creatures that were not asked to be but are and must adapt to a world that is unwelcoming. In honor of pride month, here are some new works that exemplify the idea that what goes bump in the night isn’t always the thing you should fear.

The Starving Saints by Caitlin Starling is not for the faint of heart. Three women, Ser Voyne, a war hero, Phosyne, an ex-nun, and Treila, a survivor, are trapped within the walls of a sieged castle. Along with all the other town folk, soldiers, and king, they are barricaded within with dwindling supplies and no hope for rescue from the outside world. People are starving and the three women are out of time to find a solution. But a miracle happens and the patron saint of the city arrives, bringing food and salvation. But the three women do not see a happy ending coming, they believe tragedy has arrived. Visceral and dark, Starling creates another stellar horror entry.

In Hungerstone by Kat Dunn, Lenore has been married to steel works magnate Henry for ten years. She prides herself on being the model wife in spite of the loss of her parents at a young age and having to fight tooth and nail in order to secure a proper and convenient marriage. Henry, a man with money but no status, and Lenore, a woman with status but no money, find in each other a solution to their problems. After ten years though, the relationship wains as no children are produced and Lenore finds the confines of society are beginning to tighten. On the way to their new estate in Nethersaw, the pair meet the sickly and sickeningly beautiful Carmilla, whom Lenore endeavors to bring back to health. But deep secrets are revealed in Nethersaw and Lenore finds herself fighting for her life against foes outside as well as in. Gothic and alluring, Dunn reworks the story of Carmilla into a new sumptuous read.

Jo Kozak finds herself looking to standout in art school in Mallory Pearson’s Voice Like A Hyacinth. Jo is in the final year of art school along with her friends Caroline, Finch, Amrita, and Saz. The group is devoted to each other and take on an us vs. everyone else stance. The problem? The end of the year is capped off with a group showing and the best student of the year is given a chance to have a solo show, gain notoriety, and an almost guaranteed career. Only one will get the spot and with doubt and anxiety mounting, the friends turn to otherworldly means to improve their chances. But all things cost, and when their lecherous teacher is sacrificed for their benefit, the girls must reckon with their choices and fight to keep their friendship from being torn apart. Pearson’s work is reminder that the road of ambition is paved with blood, sweat, and tears.

None of those sound interesting? There are so many more, like Awakened by A.E. Osworth about a malicious AI and the coven of witches trying to stop it. Or The Lamb by Lucy Rose, a novel about a mother whose appetite for meat goes a little too far. So many wonderful books and so little time! Enjoy these books and remember the library is for everyone.

June is audiobook appreciation month. Please visit A.K. Smiley Public Library to check out our variety of audiobook options!

Physical audiobooks in the library include audio compact discs, MP3 discs, and Playaway devices. Compact discs (audiobooks and music) are playable on CD or DVD players, your car’s audio system, or your computer (if there is a CD player option).

MP3 discs may be listened to on MP3 players, CD players with MP3 capabilities, and desktop and Mac computers, or files can be transferred to a portable music player.

Playaway devices are small self-contained recordings that you listen to by connecting earphones (disposable earbuds are available on request), or plugging into speakers or your car speakers from the universal headphone jack on the unit. They are easy to use, are hands-free, and very portable. Plug in your headphones, place the device in your pocket, and listen while walking, exercising, or for entertainment while doing mundane tasks. Electronic audio items are also available through our website, www.akspl.org, and can be downloaded through Libby/OverDrive to your computer, tablet, or phone. Please check our website for instructions.

Our audio items are available in both fiction, non-fiction, and music. Plan a visit to our beautiful library soon to browse the selections or check our catalog online on our website (www.akspl.org) before you arrive.

Happy listening!