Maria Carrillo

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.

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.

Resilient Redlands Webinar Series

A.K. Smiley Public Library’s “Resilient Redlands” webinar series focused on topics related to Redlands history and the collections of the Lincoln Memorial Shrine. Webinars were led by Smiley Library staff with a few special guests.