Library

Library Holiday Hours

All three Lakeland Library locations will be closed Monday, May 25th for the Memorial Day holiday.

We will reopen on Tuesday, May 26th at 9 AM.

Crafternoon at the Larry R. Jackson Branch Library

Early dismissal from school and don't know what to do? Come create with us! We'll supply the materials; you just bring your imagination on Thursday, May 28th from 2:30-3:30 pm!

Crafternoon is a monthly, drop-in craft program for kids ages 5-12 and their grownups at the Larry R. Jackson Branch Library, falling on Polk County Public Schools' Early Dismissal Days. No registration required, but things could get messy, so please wear appropriate clothing! Children under the age of 10 must remain with their grown-up in the library throughout the program.

Crafting boosts fine motor skills, improves coordination, allows for creativity and self-expression, and teaches flexibility. 

Questions? Contact Cassie Walters-Shantal at cassandra.walters-shantal@lakelandgov.net

Invasive Species in Central Florida

Have you heard the term "invasive" and wanted to learn more? Are you curious about what makes an animal invasive and why it's a problem?

Join us on Thursday, May 28th at 5:30 PM in the Lakeland Public Library Meeting Room for this interesting community lecture and discussion of invasive species in Polk County with Shannon Carnevale, Natural Resources Extension Agent. The focus will be on invasive reptiles, proper identification, and differentiating them from our native Florida species.

All ages welcome. Registration is required. Learn more about this event and register to attend.

Main Library Dino-Mite Summer Reading Kickoff May 29th

We’re roaring into summer with a dino-mite summer party at the Lakeland Public Library on Friday, May 29th from 10 AM to 12 PM! Dress up in your favorite dino attire and get ready to stomp, chomp, and roar your way through a prehistoric adventure of games, activities, and our dino disco party. Be sure to pick up a summer reading log along the way!

No registration required. All ages welcome.

*Due to limited space and the nature of the events, summer camps, daycares, and groups cannot be accommodated.

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) 
May 19

Lakeland Public Library Storytimes (10 AM select Wednesdays) 
June 3, 10, 17, 24

Larry R. Jackson Branch Storytimes (10 AM select Thursdays) 
May 21

Larry Jackson Branch Library Bilingual Storytime (10 AM last Thursday of the month) 
May 28

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  

Vanished Lakeland

"Out of sight, out of mind."

Enjoy this "Vanished Lakeland" photographic stroll through buildings formerly standing in Lakeland but now demolished, removed, or changed in such as way that they are now vanished, showcased from our Flickr digital collection.

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