AK Smiley Public Library is a beautiful and historic library with amazing architecture. The building features a Moorish Revival or Gothic Victorian style, resembling a vintage home, with pretty decor, beautiful stained glass windows, artistic ceilings, and marble floors. It feels like stepping into a different time period or walking back into the past. The place is big, with multiple floors of books, a huge selection, a children's library, special collections, and various areas to research, study, or read. The grounds are picturesque, with gardens and surrounding parks. The library offers great customer service with nice, pleasant, and helpful staff. It is a peaceful, family-friendly, and sparkling clean environment. Amenities include free parking, wifi, and a coffee serving area downstairs. There is also a downstairs bookstore. It is considered a hidden gem, a local treasure, a National Historical Landmark, and a paradise for bookworms. Visitors should note that while residents of Redlands receive a free library card, non-residents must pay a membership fee for a card. The library is an exceptional place, and visiting others afterwards may be disappointing. It is a beautiful space well worth a visit for its history, architecture, and overwhelming feeling.
Great variety of books and awesome customer service .....a hidden gem !Located inside the Redlands library/down stairs bookstore.
May 2022
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
March 2022
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......
