o the munificence of Albert K. Smiley the city will be indebted for a beautiful park and one of the handsomest and most complete library building in the country, an illustration of the architect's sketch appearing on page 4 of this book. The central portion of the library building will be the general library room, 20 x 24. From the northern corner will arise the tower, 14 x 14, and 50 feet height, containing the general entrance, with the trustees' room above and above that an observatory. East from the general library room, will be a stack and reading room, 24 x 78; north, a periodical and reading room, of the same dimensions; west, a reference room, 20 x 24; and south, a wing containing the librarian's room and that for the ladies, each 15 x 20. The interior of this structure will be finished in oak, with paneled ceilings and finely frescoed walls. On the north side of each of the main wings will run colonnades, 72 feet in length, which can be enclosed with glass, if desired, and used for the display of specimens of natural history and curios. The exterior of the building, of the Mission style of architecture, will conform with the general excellence of the interior, the walls of brick relieved and beautified by carved stone trimmings of different colors, the roof of tiles. The entire building will be heated by hot air and lighted by electricity and will cost complete about $50,000. In front of this, the "Smiley Library," will be erected a fountain. This splendid structure, now in process of construction, will stand in the eastern portion of the 16-acre park, in the heart of the city, purchased by Mr. Smiley over a year ago and this summer laid out with broad walks and drives, planted with a profusion of ornamental trees, shrubs and flowers, and surrounded by a neat, low stone wall, with coping. When the library is completed it is the intention of the owner to present both park and building to the city, and the reward for such noble generosity will surely come in the enhanced health and increased knowledge of the present and future generations.

The Public Library of today was opened for the deliver of books march 1, 1894, and is supported by an annual tax upon property. The nucleus of this library, 1492 volumes, was gathered by a number of public-spirited citizens, who organized as a Library Association in November of the previous year, and on Washington's Birthday following presented the city with the results of their labors. The number of books has rapidly increased until now the reader can select from 4,081 volumes. Reading and writing facilities are provided and a large number of magazines and illustrated papers are taken for use in the library room. The books are mostly of the higher class. Fiction has a small representation and a still smaller percentage of constant patrons. The management of the library is in the hands of a Board of Trustees, five in number, who were elected by the people.

(Source: Illustrated Redlands, 1897, p. 6)

The Board of Trustees of the City Library is constituted as follows: Alfred H. Smiley, president; J. B. Breed, vice-president; E. G. Judson, A. B. Ruggles, K. H. Field, Mrs. J. H. Williams is secretary of the Board. (Source: Illustrated Redlands, 1897, p. 45)