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January 2023 by Jo S.
One of the most beautiful libraries I have ever been inside. The facade gets your attention with its Moorish Revival style. I don't live in Redlands, but I love libraries and since I was in the area I couldn't help to check it out and boy I am glad!I wish I had more time to spend inside!The decor is pretty, its windows are one of a kind. I felt envy for the folks reading in this beautiful spaces. The place is big, great selection for books, nice librarians and very peaceful. You felt like you were stepping in a different time period!The grounds are picturesque as well. If you live here, I hope you frequent it, if you visit the area, like I did, check it out! It's a paradise for bookworms!
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October 2022 by Jocelyn O.
It was my first visit at AK Smiley Public Library. I was able to find immediate parking in front. I was amazed at the beautiful architecture of the library. It looked like a vintage home that was converted into a library.Lately, I've been visiting local libraries and admiring them, then getting a library card to be able to utilize their vast amounts of books.However, when I wanted to get a library card from Smiley, to my astonishment, they asked me to pay $30 for a years worth of membership for the card. Are you serious? Why? Because I don't live in Redlands. The librarian told me it's because the residents of Redlands pay for city taxes for the upkeep of the library, so they get a free library card. Therefore non-residents like myself must pay for a library card at a public library. The idea of public to me, means this should be available for everyone, not just a certain group of people. I had to brush away the exclusiveness of their choices.Yet, this didn't deter me from walking around to admire the beautiful stained glass windows, artistry of the ceilings and the overwhelming feeling that you've walked back into the past. I love history and to see the history of Redlands library is astounding. I wished more cities preserved their library as well as Redlands did.If you have free time to wander over to this library, do so, but be prepared to pay $30 if you want a library card.
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September 2022 by Senan D.
Only go to visit knowing this Gothic Victorian building is the exception not the rule for libraries and going to others after a visit here may be a bit disappointing. I grew up in Redlands and loved getting to go to the library when I got the chance. This library is that of dreams with beautiful marble floors, multiple floors of books, and so many areas to sit and enjoy the selections.I always love to visit this place when I'm in town. It has a huge selection. If you don't live in the area l, it costs $30 (cash or check) a year but I'm happy to pay to support this beautiful place. I will say my last visit the wifi was very hit or miss, so if you need a good signal suggest finding a spot in the reference area.
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August 2022 by Situ M.
We love the Ak Smiley library for many reasons and used to take kids to the library very often. Recently they put the computers in the kid's section and that is okay too but they have two computers where kids can play and learn through games. I have noticed that once kids are introduced to those gaming computers, they are not looking at books at all and I had to stop taking my kids to the library just because of that. I am giving it 3 stars because I feel that those computers with "learning games" is taking away the main concept of a library for kids.
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July 2022 by Moses perez
Great variety of books and awesome customer service .....a hidden gem !Located inside the Redlands library/down stairs bookstore.
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May 2022 by Aaron R.
An amazing Library with beautiful architecture and surrounding parks. As long as they can keep the hobos from passing on the entrance, there's no way it cannot be 5 stars
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March 2022 by Wayne S.
Had an opportunity to explore the beautiful A.K. Smiley Library in Redlands yesterday and had a great visit to this local treasure and National Historical Landmark! The libraries spring blooms and trees were adding to the fine spring day-really worth a visit!The library has gardens, several floors,a childrens library,special collections,various areas throughout to do research,study,read,a coffee serving area downstairs and there's wifi as well! Sparkling clean,family friendly, free parking and the staff is so pleasant and helpful-a real gem in our community! . . . . #aksmileylibrary #redlandslandmarks #seetheusa #360photography #ricohthetaz1 #godisgood #smiley #redlands #californiadreamin #californiadreaming #familyfun #visitredlands #visityourlibrary #wifi #coffee #waynesalvatti #photografxworldwide #californiagold ##photography #specialcollections
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March 2022 by Jan K.
Not only is this place beautiful......but the kids love it.... Lots of areas for children and plenty of places for adults too....I just love the kids area.....the littles reading area... so cute.... I didn't go inside today but have been inside other times....always friendly... always welcome......
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February 2022 by Corina M.
Naturally, I'd give this library 5 stars for the architecture and history behind it alone, but they're many aspects that are responsible for earning such a high review --for starters, they have such a wide variety of books and movies to choose from, which is greatly appreciated, and they implement safety the best that they can, requiring everyone to wear a mask indoors during their visit. It's normally a relaxing environment to be in, which is why I always choose to come here to study. The only reason I'm giving the three star, however, is because today, on 2/13/22, it was everything but quiet; the woman at the front desk who was wearing a black long-sleeved sweater with a blue-printed shirt underneath kept yapping away to a younger man working next to her. Of course, talking to co-workers can be considered part of the job, but little to none of this talk was work-related and it was rather loud chatting. For a long while, she kept saying that she wanted the library to close at 3:30 p.m., and semi-complaining how they aren't closed on Super Bowl Sunday. Like, listen, lady, no one wants to spend their weekends at work, but you legit have the chillest job in a beautiful building/city. Not to mention, you work at a library, where people are trying to read, write, and concentrate --just because you're bored doesn't mean other people are. The only complaint I have with this place is the loudness of the staff at times; it's best not to stay near the main entrance because you will not be able to focus.
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January 2022 by Liberty E.
I don't mind the mask policy guidelines that they are following at all, but I am very bothered by the way they talk to library visitors if their mask is below their nose. I go here to study, and I just saw one of the librarians rudely talk to a man that had his nose poking out of his mask.... unnecessary and shouldn't be tolerated.
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January 2020 by Gabrielle L.
What an amazing library! Its so beautiful on the inside, and it's a great place to study and get work done at. I came to do my homework here and I'm happy to say the place sets up a nice productive space. It's beautiful and silent, but there's a bell that rings every 15 minutes here.
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November 2019 by Janice M.
Saturday afternoon, extra credit Math programs has us here, beautiful weather and very quiet surroundings. Open 7 days a week and always having local events. Makes me love being a resident.
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September 2019 by Kim M.
Very cute place, but the absolute loudest library I've ever been to. The loudest people are oddly enough the librarians, and they don't even attempt to quiet down the people around them who are chattering nonstop. They have a bell that chimes every 15 minutes (that's right, every. 15. minutes) so get ready for incessant noise. Their outlets only allow for smaller plugs to be plugged in, so if you have a large body attached to your charger you can forget it. I also heard one of the librarians pick up the phone to speak with someone who had questions about how to get to the library and parking, and whether or not they had a specific book (from what i could tell) and kept cutting the other person off to give them the address. She then said that she had "quite a few customers lining up for help" and repeated the address, and hung up to go back to her empty desk and internet surfing.
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September 2019 by Mike S.
Five Stars for the beauty of this library. 5 stars for the Heritage Room and staff but 3 stars for the two grouchy librarians who work the research room.
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June 2019 by Angela T.
This is by far one of the most beautiful libraries I've ever visited. Their selection is decent, but I've mostly had a struggle with the staff. Some have been very helpful while others have been downright dismissive. Still worth a visit, and a great place to spend some time.
