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  • Weathered tan and orange background with flower illustrations in the corners and a circle containing an illustration of a crate of oranges labeled greetings from Florida. Black text in center Lakeland Public Library Florida Before Oranges; link to Library events calendar

    Florida Before Oranges

    Join Rachael Kangas, the Director for the West Central and Central Regions of the Florida Public Archaeology Network, in the Meeting Room at the Lakeland Public Library on Wednesday, October 14th at 5:30 PM as she discusses 14,000 years of Florida history.

    Did you know oranges were NOT in Florida when the first people arrived? This talk covers the basics of 14,000 years of pre-contact Florida. Learn about when people arrived and how life in the sunshine state has changed. The talk focuses on the West-Central Region, but will include some discussion of the rest of Florida and North America!

    No registration is required, and this event is for ages 18+.

    Questions? Contact Sarah Schmitt at sarah.schmitt@lakelandgov.net.

  • Outline of tree with gnarled branches, haunted house, footprints, detective with magnifying glass, person following them holding a knife, and hand reaching toward both with text "Spine Tinglers Book Club, Lakeland Public Library"; link to library events calendar

    Spine Tinglers Book Club

    Can you figure out this exciting whodunnit before the final reveal? Come on Thursday, October 15th at 5:30 PM in the Commons at the Lakeland Public Library and discuss this month's spine-tingling book club selection with our library staff! Share your thoughts on all the thrills, chills, mysteries, and scares if you dare!

    Registration not required. This event is for ages 18+.

    October’s Book: Carrie by Stephen King

    Questions? Contact Sarah Schmitt at sarah.schmitt@lakelandgov.net.

  • Red trapezoid movie marquee with yellow lights outlining text Movie Day, Larry R. Jackson Branch Library on background of red curtain and rows of red theater seats; link to library events calendar

    Movie Day at Larry R. Jackson Branch

    School's out, so join us for a family movie! We will be showing Toy Story 5 (2026) from 10-11:45 am on Friday, October 16th at the Larry R. Jackson Branch Library. No registration is required, and snacks and drinks will be provided. Children under the age of 10 must remain with their grown-up in the library and throughout the program.

    Official Movie Synopsis

    Woody, Buzz, Jessie and the rest of the gang's jobs are challenged when they're introduced to electronics, a new threat to playtime. Toy Story 5 (2026) is rated PG. © 2026 Disney Pixar.

    Questions? Contact Corinna Ahlberg at corinna.ahlberg@lakelandgov.net.

 

  • Cream background with swirls, stars, orange and red fall leaves, and brown and orange text. Text reads Friends of the Lakeland Public Library 50% off sale

    Friends Book Sale 50% Off October 14-20

    From Wednesday, October 14th through Tuesday, October 20th, enjoy 50% off at the Friends of the Library Book Sale at the Lakeland Public Library! Browse and select from a variety of genres and formats for all ages!

    All Friends book area sales are cash-only and discount will be taken off the lowest marked price at the register. No holds, no requests.

  • 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.

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