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

Teen Movie Matinee: Sept 30

Battle of the YA Movies: Vampires vs. Hobbits
Vampires or hobbits? TEENS DECIDE! We’ll play whichever movie earns the most votes. BREAKING NEWS! This event will also include trivia and costumes, so be sure to come dressed like your favorite character or in your spiffiest super-fan outfit. Are you Team Jacob, Team Edward, or Team Gollum? Let your attire (and your vote) reveal the answer!
 
The contenders:
“Twilight” – (rated PG-13) 2 hr 2 min (Vampires…obviously!)
“The Lord of the Rings!” – (rated PG-13) 2 hr 58 min (Hobbits!)

Saturday, September 30, 2023
1:30 p.m.
The Assembly Room at A.K. Smiley Public Library

125 W. Vine St., Redlands
Ages 13-19
And of course, we’ll have snacks. 🙂
FREE!
Click the link below to register and vote:
We can’t wait to see what you decide. We’ll email and let you know the winning movie on September 29!

Tom Medlicott: Oct 11

 

Smiley Library and Redlands Area Historical Society Old House Group present an Evening Discussion with Redlands glass artisan Tom Medlicott: 

The Three “R”s of Historic Windows and Glass
Restoration, Repairs and Replacement

Please join A.K. Smiley Public Library and the Old House Group of the Redlands Area Historical Society for an evening discussion with expert Tom Medlicott for all things glass related to historic, vintage or art glass. Tom will explain the different ways to repair historic windows, including restringing windows, discuss the various period appropriate windows and glass available to homeowners trying to restore their homes today, and he will discuss the new innovations in energy saving glass and how to incorporate that into historic homes while not destroying the historic character of the architecture. There will be lots to talk about. Please join us at the Contemporary Club at 6:30 pm Wed. Oct. 11, 2023.

About Tom:

Tom Medlicott and Redlands art glass have become synonymous through his 46 years of designing and fabricating stained glass, glass mosaics, and etched glass in Redlands where he and his family have lived the entire time. He and his wife have three grown children, two grandchildren, with a new grandson arriving this Fall.

Tom began learning glasswork in Pueblo, CO in 1972. Prior to that, he was completing a degree in History and Geography with the intention of working in city planning. His portfolio includes public buildings, churches, and private residences in Redlands and throughout Southern California. Both his stained-glass work and restoration work can be seen extensively throughout AKSPL.

Bonsai Tree: Sept 12

 

Tuesday, September 12 | 6:30pm
Contemporary Club

John L. Nielsen, Certified Arborist will present a program on designing and caring for bonsai trees, beautiful live miniature trees in containers.

“Bonsai trees provide the natural beauty our souls need in the home garden just like larger trees. Bonsai trees do the same things on a smaller scale.”

John has 25 years of experience as a tree care professional in southern California. He is a Certified Arborist with the International Society of Arboriculture. In addition to working on full-sized trees in landscapes, John has enjoyed his hobby of bonsai tree cultivation and care for over forty years.

“The peace a graceful garden full of miniature trees provides is priceless. After many years of caring for trees, you know them well, like children. They become a part of your family!”

Bonsai tree cultivation provides gardeners with a very creative way to enjoy gardening on a smaller scale than they might be used to. Bonsai care involves working with a tree to discover the possibilities the tree holds, and then developing it into a lovely specimen. Bonsai cultivation began in China and then migrated to Japan many years ago.

John will demonstrate basic bonsai techniques as he creates a bonsai starter tree at this presentation. He will also talk about soil, watering, and general care. Bring your bonsai tree care questions too, as John will be glad to answer them during our q and a.  One lucky patron will take home a tree!

SoCal in Film Series Returns!

A.K. Smiley Public Library’s “Southern California in Film” series returns with a new roster of movies! In recognition of Southern California’s contributions to cinema, this free film series is dedicated to celebrating the region’s undeniable contribution to the entertainment industry. Join us for the following screenings:

JANUARY 21
Palm Springs Weekend (1963) – Not Rated

FEBRUARY 18
Love & Basketball (2000) – Rated PG

MARCH 18
The Rocketeer (1991) – Rated PG

APRIL 15
Clueless (1995) – Rated PG-13

MAY 13
Beach Party (1963) – Not Rated

JUNE 17
Zoot Suit (1981) – Rated R

SEPTEMBER 16
Double Indemnity (1944) – Not Rated – Register Now!

OCTOBER 21
Ed Wood (1994) – Rated R

NOVEMBER 18
Chinatown (1974) – Rated R

DECEMBER 16
La La Land (2016) – Rated PG-13

Films will be screened at 2pm in the Contemporary Club. Screenings are free and open to the public. Registration will open one week prior to screening date. Registration is requested, but not required. Not all films are suitable for all audiences.

No admission is charged for screenings, thanks to the generous contributions of donors to the Library. Please note that the schedule is subject to change.  For more information or for schedule updates, call (909) 798-7632 or visit the event page.