Library

Library Holiday Hours

All three Lakeland Library locations will be closed Monday, January 19th for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday.

We will reopen Tuesday, January 20th at 9 AM.

¡La Biblioteca Viva! - Discusión de libro en español

Únase con nosotros en nuestra discusión de libro en español, ¡La biblioteca viva!, un club de lectura donde las historias cobran vida a través de la conversación y la interacción.

Aquí, cada libro es una puerta abierta a nuevas ideas, culturas y emociones, transformando la experiencia de leer en un viaje compartido. ¡Ven y sé parte de una biblioteca que respira, escucha y conecta! La biblioteca viva se reune el segundo martes a las 5:30 PM de cada mes en la biblioteca principal de Lakeland.

El libro para el mes de noviembre es Más allá del invierno, de la autora Isabel Allende.

Para más información se puede comunicar con Angeles Otero o Luis Perez al teléfono 863.834.4276 o 863.863.4264.

Women's Self-Defense Workshop with PCSO

Join the Polk County Sheriff's Office on Tuesday, January 13th from 11 AM to 12:30 PM at the Lakeland Public Library as they share essential safety tips and techniques for women to recognize and escape unwanted situations. After a brief 15-minute lecture, participate in a 45-minute hands-on session to learn self-defense skills using a Body Opponent Bag under the guidance of trained professionals. Get ready to kick it!

No registration required. This event is ages 18+.

Questions? Contact Ángeles Otero at 863.834.4276 or email Ángeles.Otero@lakelandgov.net.

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 Friday, January 16th from 2:30-3:30 pm, we will be making pixel/Minecraft self-portraits!

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

Stories & Stones Walking Tour

Join us on Saturday, January 24th at 9 AM for a walking tour of Lakeland’s oldest cemetery, Lakeview Cemetery. Explore local history through the stories of past residents and learn about the meanings behind funerary symbols.

Stories and Stones Historic Cemetery tours are offered monthly, alternating between Lakeview, Tiger Flowers, and Roselawn Cemeteries. Tours run October through March and are for ages 13+. Registration is required.

Find out more information and register beginning Saturday, January 10th at 9 AM.

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) 
January 20

Lakeland Public Library Storytimes (10 AM select Wednesdays) 
January 14, 21, 28

Larry R. Jackson Branch Storytimes (10 AM select Thursdays) 
January 15, 22

Larry Jackson Branch Library Bilingual Storytime (10 AM last Thursday of the month) 
January 29

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  

Sounds of Music

Lakeland is alive with the Sounds of Music.

Enjoy this "Sounds of Music" photographic stroll through Lakeland's local musical heritage, showcased from our Flickr Digital Collection.