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

New Public Hours

 

WELCOME BACK!

Your friends at A.K. Smiley Library have missed you.  A.K. Smiley Public Library, which has been closed to the public for nearly six months in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, has resumed in-person services.  We have implemented new public health measures to help protect our patrons and employees.  In order to keep everyone safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, please observe the following during your visit.

  • Facial coverings or masks covering the nose and mouth are required for all visitors over the age of two.
  • Visitation is limited to a maximum of one hour per day.
  • Please maintain 6 foot physical distance at all times.
  • Restrooms and the Will J Reid coffee bar area are closed until further notice.
  • Food and drink, except water in sealable containers, is prohibited.
  • Please exit the library through the Young Readers’ Room Door.
  • Library staff will ask all visitors the following questions regarding their COVID-19 exposure.  In the past 14 days, have you:
    • Been exposed to anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19?
    • Had an elevated temperature of 100.4 or above?
    • Had shortness of breath?
    • Lost your sense of taste of smell?
    • Experienced flu-like symptoms including headache, fatigue, or cough?

Our new temporary hours are:

Library

Monday 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Tuesday 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Wednesday 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Thursday 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Friday 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Saturday 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Sunday Closed

Heritage Room (by appointment only)

Monday Closed
Tuesday 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Wednesday 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Thursday 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Friday 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Saturday 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Sunday Closed
For information or to schedule an appointment, use the online portal, call (909)798-7632, or email heritage@akspl.org

 

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 effective September 9, 2020. 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.

2020 U.S. Census

 

Census 2020: Every Voice Counts

The A.K. Smiley Public Library has partnered with the San Bernardino Area League of Women Voters to present an online Zoom workshop about the 2020 US Census. Join us on August 20 at 10am. Bring your questions and concerns. The workshop will be recorded and shared on the library’s Facebook page.

The state of California has only had a 65% response rate to the 2020 Census. The Census is more than a population count. It’s an opportunity to shape your community’s future. Census results determine how many seats each state gets in Congress. They are also used to improve communities by improving schools, emergency services, social services, freeways, roads and bridges.

Federal law keeps your census answers strictly confidential. You will not be asked about your citizenship status or political affiliation. Your answers can never be used against you in any way.

This virtual workshop will answer all your questions about the census. Register today!

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_n8orVGTqRvGkA2taVhp1iA

Resilient Redlands Webinar Series

A.K. Smiley Public LibraryIf you crave opportunities to learn during your time at home, partake in the “Resilient Redlands” webinar series that will focus on topics related to Redlands history and the collections of the Lincoln Memorial Shrine. Webinars will take place each Saturday at 11am and will be led by the staff of A.K. Smiley Public Library and Lincoln Memorial Shrine. Please check each week to register for the upcoming presentation.

Upcoming Webinars

To be announced

Past Webinars

April 25 – “Intro to Redlands History”

May 2 – “From the Shrine’s Collections: Emancipation and Lincoln’s Letter to James Conkling”

May 9 – “The Great Crusade: Reflections on the 75th Anniversary of the End of World War II in Europe”

May 16 – “All Aboard for Redlands: How the Railroad Shaped Our Town”

May 23 – “From the Shrine’s Collections: The U.S. Sanitary Commission”

May 30 – “Redlands History in Motion: The Home Movie Preservation Project”

June 6 – “Reflections on D-Day and the Normandy Campaign”

June 13 – “From the Shrine’s Collections: Colonel Chapin and the 21st Connecticut Infantry”

June 27– “California Sunshine: Citrus Label Art of the Redlands District”

July 11 – “Grant’s First Great Victory: The Campaign for Forts Henry & Donelson”

July 25 – “Let’s Take a Walk Around the Block: A Brief Survey of Architecture in Redlands”

August 8 – “Hiroshima-Nagasaki: Reflections on the 75th Anniversary”

Watch previous webinars on Smiley Library’s Facebook page and the Special Collections YouTube channel.

Zoom Backgrounds

As an added bonus, Smiley Library is offering historic views of Redlands as virtual backgrounds for your Zoom meetings. Find them here.