Serving the City of Redlands, California since 1894
2021 Adult Summer Reading Program
June 22 – August 2
Read and review books checked out from the A.K. Smiley Library and enter to win gift cards and goodies from your favorite local businesses. The more you read, the better your chances of winning!
GRAND PRIZE: $100 shopping spree at Gerrard’s Market
The Division of Special Collections is excited to announce a new community-wide project! The Redlands Community History Initiative seeks to learn about and preserve the stories of the many communities that made Redlands the city it is today, especially those traditionally left out of the conversation.
Redlands has always been a diverse community. People from all walks of life with varied cultural and ethnic backgrounds made their way to Redlands and the East San Bernardino Valley to set down roots, contributing to the area’s growth and prosperity. From the citrus and dairy industries; to service in homes and businesses; and centers of community – everything from churches to barber shops, all Redlanders left their mark on the city.
The stories of beloved historical figures like Israel Beal, who was born into slavery and made his way west after the Civil War; José Rivera, the city’s first law enforcement officer; and Lulu Nash, a popular housekeeper and caterer, have been well-documented, but what of the thousands of others who called Redlands home? What were their names? Why did they choose Redlands?
You can contribute to the Redlands Community History Initiative by sharing photos, letters, diaries, receipts, artifacts, and oral histories, all of which add to the understanding of the many people who built and sustained Redlands over the years. Whatever was important to you and your family is important for history!
Sharing is easy! You can upload images of photographs and other materials directly to the online submission portal, by email to heritage@akspl.org, or in person with an appointment. Contact the Heritage Room at (909)798-7632 to learn how the Library can help you preserve your family’s legacy in the Redlands area.
Check out a piece of Redlands culture and support local artists!
Our collection of local art contains pieces by a variety of local artists, many depicting scenes of Redlands.
Pieces may be checked out for six weeks.
Limit two pieces per checkout.
Update August 16, 2021
The following public health measures have been implemented to help protect our patrons and employees.
Our new hours are:
| Monday | 10:00 am – 6:00 pm |
| Tuesday | 10:00 am – 9:00 pm |
| Wednesday | 10:00 am – 9:00 pm |
| Thursday | 10:00 am – 6:00 pm |
| Friday | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| Saturday | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| Sunday | 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 1:00 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 | |
Virtual Presentation: Every Day is Earth Day
Thursday, April 22, 10:00 am
A.K. Smiley Public Library welcomes Esri Chief Scientist and renowned oceanographer Dr. Dawn Wright for a presentation about conservation, climate change, sustainability, and how to be a better citizen of Planet Earth. Dr. Wright will be available for questions at the end of her presentation.
Dr. Wright is a leading expert in oceanography, coastal science, GIS, and geography. She played a key role in creating the first GIS data model for the oceans. Dr. Wright is active in conservation efforts in Redlands and beyond. She is the author of Arc Marine: GIS for a Blue Planet, Undersea with GIS, and Marine Geographical Information Systems: Theory and Applications, and Ocean Solutions, Earth Solutions.
Dr. Wright has authored and contributed to some of the most definitive literature on marine GIS. She is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the Geological Society of America, the California Academy of Sciences, The Oceanography Society, Stanford University’s Earth Leadership Program, and holds lifetime achievement awards from the American Association of Geographers, the Geological Society of America, and UC Santa Barbara. Dr. Wright maintains an affiliated faculty appointment as Professor of Geography and Oceanography in the College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences at Oregon State University. Dawn holds an Interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Physical Geography and Marine Geology from UC Santa Barbara.
Participation is free; advance registration required. Please visit https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_kD9wh7n0Qia1LJy6b5s4xw to register.
Join us on April 22 for a lively and educational presentation!