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!

News + Events

Celebrate Citrus at Library Days on May 4

A.K. Smiley Public Library will celebrate the citrus heritage that put the Inland Empire on the forefront of California’s citrus boom at the 8th annual Library Days on Saturday, May 4, 10am-2pm. “Celebrate Citrus” will include historical presentations, exhibitions, and films, as well as activities for the whole family and a citrus tasting station hosted by the California Citrus State Historic Park.

Made possible through a generous grant from Esri, Library Days explores a different theme each year and provides the community with an opportunity to explore the Library and learn something new about Redlands. As an added bonus, the first 400 participants in a Library Days program or activity will be treated to a free lunch from the In-N-Out truck courtesy of Smiley Library!

Schedule at a Glance…

Citrus Tasting Station Hosted by California Citrus State Historic Park
10am-2pm in Smiley Park

“Celebrate Citrus” Exhibition
10am-2pm in the Library Conservatory

Arts and Crafts for Kids
10am-2pm in Smiley Park

“Because of Citrus”
Citrus History Presentation
10am in the Assembly Room

Historical Citrus Films
11am-2pm in the Assembly Room

In-N-Out Burger &
Live Music by West Avenue Band
12pm in Smiley Park

Schedule subject to change.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact Smiley Library at (909) 798-7565 or visit www.akspl.org. You won’t want to miss it!

Local archeologist Donn Grenda: May 14

 

Local archeologist Donn Grenda, Ph.D., will discuss the ash dump archeological findings of Redlands’ R.J. Dunn House, a Nationally Registered Historic Site. Dr. Grenda will also discuss the history of the architecture firm Hudson and Munsell, renowned architects who contributed many significant private homes and commercial structures in Southern California at the turn of the 20th century including the Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History. Come and learn about local architecture and its hidden treasures.
Tuesday, May 14, 6:30 pm
FREE, no registration required

Patron Saints’ Day

At A.K. Smiley Public Library, March 17 means more than St. Patrick’s Day- it’s Patron Saints’ Day, the birthday of
Redlands’s best-known benefactors, Albert and Alfred Smiley!

Born in Maine in 1828, identical twins Albert and Alfred were successful educators before embarking upon careers as resort owners in New York state in the decades that followed the Civil War. Discovering Redlands in 1889, the pair went on to create a public botanical oasis known as Canyon Crest Park in the hills southwest of Redlands and were involved in many philanthropic projects in the city. Their immeasurable impact is best exemplified by A.K. Smiley Public Library, which is named for Albert, but would not have been possible without the
contributions of both brothers.

Now, 125 years after the opening of the first public library in Redlands, Director Emeritus Larry Burgess and Head of Special Collections Nathan Gonzales honor the Smileys and their gifts to the city with a special Patron Saints’ Day presentation on Sunday, March 17 at 3pm in the Assembly Room.

This event is free, but reservations are recommended.

How to Travel the World for Almost Free: April 6

 

Jamie Beck returns to the Smiley to share new and exciting ways to see the world on the cheap. If you’ve caught the travel bug, want to take a gap year in your education, are looking to discover your passion, need a break from the rat race, or hope to start a new life off the grid, this program is for you!

Fran Grace: March 25

Dr. Fran Grace, Professor of Religious Studies and Steward of the Meditation Room at the University of Redlands, will discuss her new book, The Power of Love. Inspired by a life-changing encounter with love, Dr. Grace embarked upon on an interfaith journey to learn more about its power to transform and heal us. She interviewed renowned spiritual teachers, scientists, activists, and artists. Her discussion will describe ways that ordinary people can tap into one of the least utilized resources on the planet: the human capacity to love.