Smiley Library launches 2025 summer reading program with a splash of color

REDLANDS, Calif. — School is out and A.K. Smiley Public Library is kicking off its 2025 Youth Services Summer Reading Program under the theme Color Our World! The program begins Tuesday, June 10, and will run through July 31, featuring family-friendly entertainment, art workshops, teen activities, and book giveaways.

The theme invites children and teens to explore creativity in all its forms—art, music, writing, photography, and more.

Weekly events for families will be held every Tuesday at 10 a.m. in the Assembly Room and every Thursday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the Contemporary Club. Offerings include concerts, magic shows and hands-on art programs.

Teens can join special Wednesday events, including a clay handbuilding workshop led by Redlands Pottery Project and a book club party with free books available starting June 10 (while supplies last).

The reading challenge is open to youth ages 0 to 19. Toddlers will earn stickers, while older participants will have the chance to win prizes like giant Squishmallows and Instax cameras.

Plus free lunch for kids every Tuesday and Thursday

The Summer Reading kickoff also coincides with the launch of the Redlands Unified summer meals program for children. From 10:45 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, June 10, families are invited to a festive Veggie Carnival at A.K. Smiley Library, featuring music, games, a mobile dairy classroom, and nutritious tastings.

The no-cost meal program, provided by Redlands Unified Child Nutrition Services, will continue every Tuesday and Thursday through July 31 in Smiley Park. Meals are available at no charge to children and teens ages 0 to 18.

Although regular story times will pause for the summer—with the exception of Spanish Story Time on Fridays at 10:30 a.m.—families can continue reading at home thanks to free book giveaways offered every Thursday following events.

Some events require registration. For more information, call (909) 798-7674 or visit the library’s Instagram accounts: @akspl_kids and @akspl_teens.

A.K. Smiley Public Library
125 W. Vine St.
Redlands, CA, 92373

The Contemporary Club
173 S Eureka St.
Redlands, CA 92373

The full summer event schedule can be found here: Young Readers' Room