A.K. Smiley Public Library

Serving the City of Redlands, California since 1894

Established in 1894, A.K. Smiley Public Library has served generations of patrons in the City of Redlands and beyond. The only “admission fee” is curiosity. Lifelong learning is at the center of activity in the beautiful, historic building and attractive grounds!

Maria Carrillo

Lincoln Shrine Now Open

The Lincoln Memorial Shrine is excited to announce that beginning April 1, 2021, the museum will reopen Thursday – Sunday, 1-4pm.

“Our thoughts go out to all who have lost their lives and whose families have been impacted during this worldwide crisis. As health conditions improve, we look forward to once again creating educational experiences that facilitate interaction with our shared past within the Lincoln Shrine,” remarked Curator Nathan Gonzales.  A number of new measures are in place to assure the safest environment possible, including increased sanitation procedures, limited capacity, directional flow for exhibits, and requiring face coverings for all visitors over the age of two.

The Shrine will continue its successful virtual exhibition gallery and history webinar programs in addition to in-person experiences.  “One thing we’ve learned through all of this is that the opportunity for teaching about the Civil War and that critical time in history isn’t limited to being physically present at the museum” shared Associate Archivist Maria Carrillo.  “Technology allows anyone with an internet connection the opportunity to participate in so many of the things the Shrine has to offer.”

As conditions continue to improve, public hours will increase to four hours per day, and include Tuesdays and Wednesdays.  “But this is a great place to start.  We’re so happy to be able to offer our community this wonderful resource once again.  A digital representation on a screen is very helpful, but can never replace the thrill of seeing the actual piece of paper Abraham Lincoln signed,” Gonzales said.

For more information, call (909)798-7632 or visit www.lincolnshrine.org.

Patron Saints Day

Ever wonder about Redlands’ Patron Saints Albert and Alfred Smiley, but haven’t had a chance learn more? Get your questions ready and join us for A.K. Smiley Public Library’s Patron Saints Day brown bag lunch webinar on Wednesday, March 17 at 12pm.
This year, historians Larry Burgess and Nathan Gonzales will take your questions about the Smileys’ contributions to Redlands. Send your questions to ngonzales@akspl.org in advance or ask them as part of the Q&A box on the day of the program. Register here. This webinar will also stream on Facebook Live.
Have you missed past webinars? Watch them on YouTube and Facebook.
Visit the Resilient Redlands Webinar Series page for information on future programs.

Celebrating Black History Month

A.K. Smiley Public Library honors Black History Month!
Explore the Library’s holdings by and about African Americans and African American history and culture in a new blog post with recommendations of books, DVDs, music, and more.
Register for the Black History Month webinar series every Saturday at 11am in the month of February!
February 6 – “African American Literature” by Professor Charles Williams of Chaffey College
February 13 – “Lincoln’s Greatest Decision: Emancipation and the Use of Black Troops” with Smiley Library Director Don McCue
February 20 – “Black Voice News and the History of the Black Press” by Dr. Paulette Brown-Hinds
February 27 – “Hidden in Plain Sight: African Americans in the Library’s Historic Collections” with Archivist Dr. Nathan Gonzales
Registration is free and easy! Sign up here and you’ll be registered for the entire series. These webinars will also stream on Facebook Live.

We hope you can join us in this celebration!

Special Collections Research Appointment

In order to serve you in a safe and efficient manner, the Heritage Room has shifted to an appointment only system. Researchers are asked to provide information about their research topic and list specific titles they are interested in accessing when scheduling an appointment. Please review the Library’s catalog to identify titles and shelf numbers to include in your request. All researchers are required to provide their own writing materials; pens are not allowed. No more than two persons are allowed per research appointment.

In accordance with Smiley Library’s COVID-19 reopening procedures, research visits are limited to one hour and researchers are required to wear face coverings at all times during their visit. Hand sanitizer is available for all Heritage Room visitors to use upon entry. Any person feeling unwell or exhibiting signs of illness is asked to remain at home. All surfaces will be sanitized between research visits.

Donations to the Archives, Museum of Redlands, and Lincoln Memorial Shrine will also be accepted with an appointment. Contact Special Collections staff for further information.

Appointments are available during the new hours of operation: Tuesday 2-5pm, Wednesday-Thursday 1-5pm, and Friday-Saturday 1-4pm. To schedule an appointment, please submit a request on our online portal, call (909)798-7632, or email heritage@akspl.org. Appointments are only finalized when confirmed by Special Collections staff.

 

The Woman’s Vote: A Century of Suffrage

Celebrate the centennial of the 19th Amendment by exploring a new virtual exhibit about the fight to enfranchise women in the United States. “The Woman’s Vote: A Century of Suffrage” discusses the efforts of women in city of Redlands, state of California, and across the country to win the right to vote. The long struggle culminated in the passage of the 19th Amendment a century ago.

See the exhibit here or visit the Special Collections page.