Smiley Library, Redlands, California

[LIB11048]

1907 Smiley Library, Redlands, California

[LIB1551] The A.K. SMILEY PUBLIC LIBRARY and surrounding Smiley Park, so named by a grateful city council in honor of the donor, was dedicated on April 29, 1898. In order to complete his personal philanthropy, Albert Smiley had to borrow $40,000. In all, the library and park cost him over $60,000.

The A.K. Smiley Public Library was designed in Moorish style (popularly called "mission") by T.R. Griffith. When completed the Smiley featured walls of solid brick with hand-cut stone trimmings and a roof of heavy red tiling. Albert Smiley also furnished the entire building with desks, chairs, tables, and stacks--all fashioned from oak. Gargoyles, griffins, and other carving adorned the library interior. The stained-glass windows feature symbolism associated with learning and libraries. [From the website]