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  • Illustrations of different colorful birds against an off-white background with text Big Day Bird Count Lakeland Public Library; link to library events calendar

    Big Day Bird Count

    Come count birds with Lakeland Public Library! On Saturday, October 10th at 10 AM, we will meet in the Lakeland Public Library Meeting Room, then hang out at Lake Morton and do some birding. Share your bird knowledge or come and do your first bird watching.

    This count is in participation with Cornell Lab of Ornithology's Global Big Day, a worldwide count conducted every May and October. 

    No registration required. This event is for all ages.

    Questions? Contact Michael Spicer at michael.spicer@lakelandgov.net.

  • Spiderwebs and spiders on a weathered off-white background with text Lakeland Public Library Sips and Secrets A Victorian Evening; link to library events calendar

    Sips & Secrets: A Victorian Evening

    Step into a world of candlelit shadows, hushed whispers, and gothic intrigue as we explore the darker side of Victorian elegance on Thursday, October 15th from 5 to 6:30 PM in the Meeting Room at the Lakeland Public Library!

    Sip your way through a menu of mocktails inspired by gothic literature while creating your own Victorian puzzle purse - a beautifully folded paper craft designed to conceal messages, riddles, and secrets. Dust off your finest black lace and steady your gothic beating heart for an evening where sipping, secrets, and crafts go hand in hand!

    This event is for ages 18+. Registration is required, and opens Thursday October 8th at 5 PM.

    Questions? Contact Amanda Holmberg at amanda.holmberg@lakelandgov.net.

  • A collage of aged photographs with a tan weathered square with text Preserving Your Family Photos Lakeland Public Library; link to library events calendar

    Preserving Your Family Photos

    In this class in the Lakeland History Room at the Lakeland Public Library on Sunday, October 18th from 2 to 3 PM, we’ll talk about the problems of preserving your family photos, and how to use archival best practices to extend the lifespan of your photos. We’ll also talk about how digitization can help with preservation and how cloud services can help remedy long-term storage

    Registration is required and will open on Sunday, October 11th at 2 PM.

    Questions? Contact Rebecca Whalon at rebecca.whalon@lakelandgov.net.

 

  • Grey, orange, and black sign with text Construction: Pardon our dust as we improve for the future; link to Jackson Branch Construction FAQs page

    Jackson Branch Construction Coming Soon

    The Larry R. Jackson Branch Library will close to the public beginning Monday, October 26th, for a renovation project. During construction, the Jackson Branch Library collections, spaces, computers, and outdoor book drop will not be available.

    Visit our Jackson Branch Library Construction FAQs for more information about the project, locations for library services and programs, hours of operation at the other Lakeland Libraries, and library services.

  • Stack of pumpkins, bats, and flying books meant to look like bats on dark sky background with text Book Pumpkin Contest! 2026

    Book Pumpkin Contest at Lakeland Public Library

    Turn your favorite book into a pumpkin and participate in our book pumpkin contest at the Lakeland Public Library!
    Here's how:

    1. Decorate a plastic craft pumpkin inspired by your favorite book or book character
    2. Enter your pumpkin at the Youth Services Desk at the Lakeland Public Library
    3. Vote for best pumpkin online on our website

    **Must be 17 and under to enter. Craft pumpkins only. Three winners will be announced on October 30th.**

    Submit entries October 1 - October 22.

    Vote for best pumpkin October 23 - October 29.

  • Five seated children looking off screen smiling; link to Lakeland Libraries' Storytime Programs event calendar

    Preschool Storytimes at Lakeland Libraries

    All three Lakeland Library locations have preschool storytimes for children ages 2-5 and their grownups! With stories, songs, rhymes, and activities, storytimes promote the development of preliteracy, verbal and listening skills, and socio-emotional skills.

    Kelly Branch Library Storytimes (10:15 AM select Tuesdays) 
    October 20

    Lakeland Public Library Storytimes (10 AM select Wednesdays) 
    October 14, 21, 28
    November 4

    Larry Jackson Branch Library Storytimes (10 AM select Thursdays) 
    October 8, 15

    Larry Jackson Branch Library Bilingual Storytime (10 AM last Thursday of the month) 
    October 22

    For more information, please contact the Kelly Branch Library 863.834.4286, Lakeland Public Library 863.834.4268, or Larry R. Jackson Branch Library 863.834.4288  

228 S. Massachusetts Ave. | Lakeland, Florida 33801 | 863.834.6000 | Hours & Closing | Accessibility | Important Numbers | Site Map