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A.K. Smiley Public Library

Serving the City of Redlands, California since 1894

Because of California's Regional Stay Home Order to slow the spread of COVID-19, in-person services are suspended until further notice. Books to Go, eLibrary, and Virtual Story Time are available and we are looking into other ways to continue to service the community. Read more about how Smiley Library is protecting the community from COVID-19.

About AKSPL

The Library

Twin Smiley Brothers Funded Library

Soon after the City of Redlands was incorporated in 1888, many citizens began to see the need for a public library. As a temporary measure, a number of private groups established public reading rooms.

In December 1891, several prominent citizens joined together to secure a public library. Alfred Smiley, one of Redlands’ winter residents from the East, became a prime mover in the crusade.

REDLANDS PUBLIC LIBRARY, located in the old Y.M.C.A. building on the northwest corner of Cajon and Vine Streets, was dedicated on February 22, 1894. The need for a larger and permanent headquarters soon became apparent. Smiley earnestly desired to obtain a building. Throughout 1896, Alfred Smiley discussed plans for a future permanent library with his twin brother and close associate, Albert K., who by pleasant coincidence wanted to provide a downtown park in Redlands. By March of 1897, Albert Smiley had purchased sixteen acres of downtown land and decided to build Redlands its new library building.

A.K. SMILEY PUBLIC LIBRARY and surrounding Smiley Park was dedicated on April 29, 1898. In order to complete his personal philanthropy, Albert Smiley had to borrow $40,000. In all, the library and park cost him over $60,000.

By 1907, the needs of the library had grown so quickly that Albert Smiley added a $12,000 expansion. And in 1920, Daniel Smiley, a younger brother, added a wing which cost $10,000. Through the generosity of Eldridge M. Lyon and by public contributions, additional wings were added to the library in 1926 and 1930. Designated as a Redlands Centennial project in 1987, the Library celebrated its largest, and most costly ($4.1 million), library expansion in 1990. A privately funded effort rebuilt the Moorish style tower in 1999. In 2002 the exterior was restored to its original red Moorish style and the roof completely renovated.

Unique in its architecture, A.K. Smiley Public Library is an official point of historical interest designated by the California Historical Landmarks Advisory Committee, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

360 Degree Virtual Library Tour

In this interactive 360-degree story, you can control your tour. Venture over to the auction, or go downstairs to the bookstore. Listen to a story in the Young Readers Room before you go through the door and out to the Lincoln Shrine.

Read the history of the library, buy a Friends membership, be inspired by the Adult Literacy Program and don’t miss the treasures in the Heritage Room.

Click, drag and look around.
You can learn about anything you click on.
Want to know the library’s hours? Click on the clock.
See photo galleries of the stained-glass windows, and of the art in the building.
Go from room to room by clicking on the photos in the doorways or stairwells.
​Have fun!

Library Director

Don McCue

Library Director Don McCue

Library Board of Trustees

William Hatfield, President
Rosa Gomez
William T. Hardy
Martin Davis
Kate Pretorius

In-Person Services

Library

Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday Closed
Thursday Closed
Friday Closed
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

Heritage Room

Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday Closed
Thursday Closed
Friday Closed
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
For information call (909)798-7632 or email heritage@akspl.org


Please see our holiday schedule for additional days we are closed.

Agendas and Minutes

The last 12 months of agendas and minutes kept online.

Agenda

  • January 2021
  • January 2021 – Special Session
  • February 2020
  • March 2020
  • April 2020
  • May 2020
  • June 2020
  • July 2020
  • August 2020
  • September 2020
  • October 2020
  • November 2020
  • December 2020

Library Minutes

  • January 2021
  • February 2020
  • March 2020
  • April 2020
  • May 2020
  • June 2020
  • July 2020
  • August 2020
  • September 2020
  • October 2020
  • November 2020
  • December 2020

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