The fall season has made its stormy presence known these last few weeks, and I, for one, welcome it. What better excuse to curl up on the sofa with a blanket, a cup of tea, and a spooky story to read? … [Read More...] about True crime or tea time?
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Welcome to A.K. Smiley Public Library Blog!
While you're here, please enjoy a variety of Library news and book reviews by our staff across Smiley Library departments: Adult Services, Adult Literacy, Youth Services (Young Readers’ Room and Teen Underground), Special Collections (Heritage Room), Lincoln Memorial Shrine, Museum of Redlands, Friends of the Library, Smiley Heritage Tours, and more.
Each week you will be treated to a new installment of the "What’s New at A.K. Smiley Public Library" column published in the Redlands Daily Facts newspaper. Written by our staff on a variety of newly acquired books by the Library, it is one of the longest-running columns currently published by the paper.

Happy Birthday, Jane Austen!
"You may find me to be a bit hasty in my congratulations, Miss Austen, yet I cannot contain my enthusiasm! I must wish you a most felicitous semiquincentennial celebration, the 250th anniversary of … [Read More...] about Happy Birthday, Jane Austen!

Celebrate Native American Heritage Month with these new reads!
November is here, and with it another chance to celebrate Native American Heritage Month. This month is dedicated to remembering the past, embracing the present, and thinking about how to improve the … [Read More...] about Celebrate Native American Heritage Month with these new reads!

From flames to feelings: selecting a read for November
November, for me, is a month when I reflect on my New Year’s resolutions and how they are coming along. This year my resolution was to read more, specifically to finish reading my library books from … [Read More...] about From flames to feelings: selecting a read for November

Teens, you have constitutional rights – a guide to learning more about them
Teens, you have constitutional rights. And not just the right to remain silent (although this is a useful one that many teenagers have invoked since the Fifth Amendment was ratified in 1791…haha). … [Read More...] about Teens, you have constitutional rights – a guide to learning more about them

Smiley Library is abuzz with activities in October!
October has been an eventful time at AKSPL! There have been many staffing changes. It was sad to say good-bye to long-time staff. But it has been exciting to see new staff come onboard! It is … [Read More...] about Smiley Library is abuzz with activities in October!

Spooky, chilling tales await you . . . at the library . . .
Ladies and Gentlemen, I am happy to announce that it is finally, Halloween season. I have literally been waiting an entire year to celebrate Halloween again. And on that note, here is your annual … [Read More...] about Spooky, chilling tales await you . . . at the library . . .

Happy Halloween from the Young Readers’ Room!
Halloween is already right around the corner! Our Halloween books in the Young Readers’ Room are so popular, they barely hit the shelves before they’re snatched up. Here are a few of my favorite scary … [Read More...] about Happy Halloween from the Young Readers’ Room!

Redlands celebrates Adult Literacy Day with adult learner-authors
On September 16, the Redlands City Council approved a proclamation declaring September 28, 2025 “Adult Literacy Day in the City of Redlands.” Mayor Mario Saucedo presented the proclamation to Bill … [Read More...] about Redlands celebrates Adult Literacy Day with adult learner-authors

Meet Smiley Library’s Youth Services staff!
In this week’s article I am happy to introduce you to all of our staff members in the Youth Services Department. With a staff of five, the Senior Librarian is Miss Pamela. She has been the librarian … [Read More...] about Meet Smiley Library’s Youth Services staff!
