History
Access a detailed PDF file: “History of the Friends of the A.K. Smiley Public Library, Redlands, California, 1973-1995” with additional pages detailing the Friends’ through 2020. This document is 96 pages and 5MB in size. The file can be downloaded to your local computer for viewing, printing, or retaining as a digital reference of the Friends’ activities through the years.
The Friends raise funds to augment the collections and services of the Library and support the programs of the library. Please email info@friendsofaksmiley.org for any information you don’t find on the site.
The funds are raised by selling the quality books donated by our generous community in the Friends used bookstore on the lower level of the library and the silent auction in the main hall of the library. You can show your support of the library by patronizing our bookstore, participating in the silent auction of books, and becoming a member of the Friends of the Library and renewing annually.
The Friends, in conjunction with the Library, sponsor children’s programs, book clubs, and the appearances of speakers and programs on cultural issues, history, and literature.
Library Board of Trustees member and former President of the Friends Kate Pretorius shares:
For almost fifty years, the Friends of the A.K. Smiley Public Library have worked tirelessly to further their mission of supporting our beloved institution. In addition to raising hundreds of thousands of dollars through the bookstore, auction and special sales, the Friends have been essential to the success of both the Adult Literacy and the Family Literacy Programs. With little fanfare, the Friends have been instrumental in the library’s ability to reach our entire community with education, entertainment and a sublime spot to enjoy a good read.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead
MEMBERSHIP
Annual dues are used to purchase new books and digital material for the library collection and to fund children’s programming, infrastructure upgrades and heritage programs. Annual Dues range from $10.00 to $1,000. You may enroll as a Friend of the A.K. Smiley Library online below or pick up a membership envelope at the bookstore in the basement of the Library. The annual meeting of members occurs in June of each year.
VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers are needed to sort donated books, restock the bookstore shelves, and work as cashiers in the bookstore and at special sales. Volunteers are also needed to work with the auction team and to help with publicity and marketing. If you’ve ever considered becoming a volunteer with the Friends, now’s the time! Please email info@friendsofsmileylibrary.org for more information on volunteering.
ADULT LITERACY PROGRAM
An important program of The Friends of the Library is the Adult Literacy Program at A. K. Smiley Library. If you are interested in volunteering, please call 909.798.7565, ext. 4138, email us at: literacy@akspl.org, or visit our webpage at AK Smiley Public Library Adult Literacy Program.
Please call the Redlands Adult Literacy Program office at 909.798.7565, ext. 4138 or email literacy@akspl.org for information on volunteering or if you have any questions. We look forward to hearing from you!
BOOKSTORE
The Friends Bookstore is found downstairs in the library. It has over 14,000 gently used books on the shelves and offers them at very attractive prices including discounts for members of the Friends. The bookstore also sells Friends and Smiley Library merchandise. On the first Saturday of each month, the Bookstore conducts a Bag Sale, in which a grocery bag of books may be purchased for $5.00 by members and $8.00 by non-members. All books have been donated by the people of Redlands and the surrounding area. Please go to the home page for more information, including current hours and prices.
BUY-A-BOOK
The purchase of books for the library is the chief objective of the Friends. Income from the bookstore, the sales, the auction, and donations are applied to that end. In addition, the Buy-A-Book program helps buy books and provides a way for community members to honor or memorialize a friend or loved one. When you Buy-A-Book, a nameplate is placed in the book with the name of the person you are honoring or memorializing. Forms for the program may be had at several of the help-desks in the library as well as in the Friends Bookstore.
A.K. Smiley Bookstore 