A.K. Smiley Public Library is excited to announce that The Heritage Room is expanding opportunities for researchers by opening to the public on Tuesday afternoons, 1-5pm.
Established in 1972, the Heritage Room strives to collect, preserve, and make available historical materials relating to Redlands, San Bernardino County, Southern California, and the West. The division also includes the collections of the Lincoln Memorial Shrine, a museum and research center focusing solely on Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War.
“The Great Recession hit Redlands hard, and unfortunately the Library was forced to significantly reduce service. Thankfully, as the economy has improved over the last several years, we have been able to gradually move toward the level and quality of service that Redlanders have long expected from the Library,” remarked Nathan Gonzales, Archivist and Head of Special Collections. The reinstatement of Tuesday afternoon hours makes it easier for everyone to stop by and learn the history of a home or business, find historic photographs of the community, or see original letters from the Civil War. The Heritage Room also accepts donations for the Lincoln Memorial Shrine and the future Museum of Redlands.
The Heritage Room is open to the public Tuesdays, 1pm-5pm and Wednesdays-Saturdays, 10am-12pm and 1pm-5pm. Although walk-ins are welcome, specialized researchers may find their needs better met by calling (909) 798-7632 for an appointment with an archivist.