A.K. Smiley Public Library Dedicated April 29, 1898

Early image of the A.K. Smiley Public Library [n.d]

Redlands Area Historical Society

The beautiful A.K. Smiley Public Library was dedicated on April 29, 1898. The library's website features the story of the library's founding thanks to the philanthropy of the prosperous Smiley twin brothers, Alfred and Albert. Speakers at the library's dedication included the Mayor (William Fowler), various clergymen and E.G. Judson, a co-founder of Redlands. The Los Angeles Herald noted, "the rooms are admirably arranged for light, ventilation and comfort" and eighty-three electric lamps provided further illumination. According to the National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form, the library was designed in the Moorish Revival Style by Redlands architect T.R. Griffith. [Fun side note- each of the library's wings had full basements, also constructed of hand-cut stone and cement.] Antoinette Humphreys was the librarian in Redlands from 1895-1910.

Alfred & Albert Smiley

Redlands Area Historical Society

Interestingly, the (Los Angeles) Evening Express noted that Los Angeles City Librarian Harriet Child Wadleigh, First Attendant Daisy Austin and William F. Burbank, a member of the Los Angeles Public Library's Board of Directors were also dedication attendees. The article mentioned that Redland's library had adopted the open stacks model, which had been implemented at LAPL by Wadleigh. Just one year later, Burbank would be the one board member who did not want Ms Wadleigh to resign.

Early postcard of A.K. Smiley Public Library published by M(ichael) Rieder

 
The beautiful library was the subject of many souvenir postcards. Additionally, impressive photos can be found from the library itself, as well as California Historical Society via USC Digital Library and the Redlands Area Historical Society. A nifty souvenir plate featuring the library is in the collection of the Museum of Redlands. The library is open and welcoming patrons but if you can't make it be sure to check out the informative virtual 360 degree tour of the library.

Screengrab from the A.K. Smiley Public Library virtual tour