Soon after the City of Redlands was incorporated in 1888, many citizens began to see the need for a public library. As a temporary measure, a number of private groups established public reading rooms.

In December 1891, several prominent citizens joined together to secure a public library. Alfred Smiley, one of Redlands’ winter residents from the East, became a prime mover in the crusade.

REDLANDS PUBLIC LIBRARY, located in the old Y.M.C.A. building on the northwest corner of Cajon and Vine Streets, was dedicated on February 22, 1894. The need for a larger and permanent headquarters soon became apparent. Smiley earnestly desired to obtain a building. Throughout 1896, Alfred Smiley discussed plans for a future permanent library with his twin brother and close associate, Albert K., who by pleasant coincidence wanted to provide a downtown park in Redlands. By March of 1897, Albert Smiley had purchased sixteen acres of downtown land and decided to build Redlands its new library building.

A.K. SMILEY PUBLIC LIBRARY and surrounding Smiley Park 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.

By 1907, the needs of the library had grown so quickly that Albert Smiley added a $12,000 expansion. And in 1920, Daniel Smiley, a younger brother, added a wing which cost $10,000. Through the generosity of Eldridge M. Lyon and by public contributions, additional wings were added to the library in 1926 and 1930. Designated as a Redlands Centennial project in 1987, the Library celebrated its largest, and most costly ($4.1 million), library expansion in 1990. A privately funded effort rebuilt the Moorish style tower in 1999. In 2002 the exterior was restored to its original red Moorish style and the roof completely renovated.

Unique in its architecture, A.K. Smiley Public Library is an official point of historical interest designated by the California Historical Landmarks Advisory Committee, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.