Library

Paint with a Pro!

Whether you're a seasoned artist or picking up a brush for the first time, join us at the Lakeland Public Library on Monday, September 29th from 2 PM to 3 PM for Paint with a Pro! and ignite your creativity in a fun, relaxing environment. A professional instructor from local art studio Art Centric Studio will guide you step-by-step, ensuring you leave with a gourd-geous masterpiece that captures the bliss of autumn. All supplies will be provided; just bring your imagination!

This class is for ages 18 and up. Registration is required and opens on Monday, September 22th at 2 PM.

Spanish for Beginners 10-Part Series

Are you interested in learning Spanish? Join us at the Lakeland Public Library on Monday and Thursday evenings from 4 PM to 5 PM, September 29th-October 30th, for a 10-part Spanish language course designed to give you a basic understanding of the language. Think of it as Spanish 101! Worksheets will be provided, but feel free to bring a notebook, pencils, a Spanish-English dictionary, or anything else that will help make this exciting experience even more effective.

These 10 sessions are immersive, and consistent attendance and commitment are essential. Once you sign up, you’ll be enrolled in all 10 sessions, as each one builds on the previous class.

This event is for ages 18+. Registration is required and opens Monday, September 22nd at 4 PM.

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

American Sign Language 101

Interested in learning sign language? Join us in the Lakeland Public Library Meeting Room during National Deaf Awareness Month on Thursday, September 25th from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM for a fun and interactive class taught by the Polk State American Sign Language Honor Society. This beginner-friendly ASL (American Sign Language) class is a great way to learn the basics, practice with others, and start communicating in a new and meaningful way.

No registration required. This class is for ages 13+.

Questions? Contact Amanda Holmberg at 863.834.4292 or email Amanda.Holmberg@lakelandgov.net

Senior Gold Star Self-Defense Class with PCSO

Join the Polk County Sheriff's Office for an empowering self-defense workshop on Thursday, September 25th from 10 AM to 11:30 AM at the Lakeland Public Library! Learn essential safety techniques that can help you confidently navigate and escape challenging situations with or without additional aids. This hands-on training will show you how to defend yourself using everyday items like:

Get ready to rock it out!

No registration required. This class is recommended for ages 55+.

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

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 7, 21

Lakeland Public Library Storytimes (10 AM select Wednesdays) 
October 8, 15, 22, 29

Larry R. Jackson Branch Storytimes (10 AM select Thursdays) 
October 2, 9, 16, 23

Larry Jackson Branch Library Bilingual Storytime (10 AM last Thursday of the month) 
September 25
October 30

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  

Hurricane Guide

Hurricane season begins June 1st and ends November 30th

Find  information about weather alerts, safety information, sandbags, shelters, updates about City services and closures and more from the City of Lakeland's Hurricane site and Polk County Hurricane Preparedness site. 

Additional hurricane preparedness resources from the National Weather Service include:

National Hurricane Center 

National Weather Service Hurricane Preparedness guide 

Safety Tips and Resources from the National Weather Service 

Workers of Lakeland

"Taking what they're giving, working for a living"

Enjoy this "Workers of Lakeland" photographic stroll through Lakeland's wide variety of job opportunities and the workers who have made it happen through the years, showcased from our Flickr digital collection.