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  • Red, yellow, and green swirl on black background with text Holiday Closing

    Library Holiday Hours

    All three Lakeland Library locations will be closed Thursday, June 19th for Juneteenth.

    We will reopen on Friday, June 20th at 9 AM.

  • Orange blossoms and cup of tea on book page background with text "Blossoms and Books, A Florida Literary Tea Party"; link to Lakeland Libraries' event calendar

    Blossoms and Books: A Florida Literary Tea Party at Jackson Branch

    Join us on Saturday, June 14th from 2–3:30 pm for our Blossoms & Books Tea Party at the Larry R. Jackson Branch Library.

    Dress in your tea party best and enjoy:

    • Creative pairings of tea blends and Florida books
    • Tasty Florida-inspired treats
    • A hands-on craft to make your own crepe paper Florida flowers

    We hope to see you there!

    No registration is required.  This event is for ages 18 and up.

    Blossoms & Books is part of the Library’s Adult and Teen Summer Reading Program. Attendees of this event will have the chance to participate in the prize drawing for the Summer Reading Program.

  • Man harvesting carrots and woman cooking with text "Grow It & Cook It!" Lakeland Public Library" with UF/IFAS extension logo below

    Grow It & Cook It Workshop

    Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just getting started, this interactive workshop on Tuesday, June 24th at 4 PM in the Lakeland Public Library Meeting Room will provide you with practical tips to discover which herbs thrive best in Florida, how to care for them, and the numerous ways they can enhance your culinary creations. With an instructor from the University of Florida, you'll gain the confidence to cultivate your own herb garden and bring fresh, flavorful ingredients to your table. Don't miss this opportunity to enrich your cooking and well-being with the power of herbs. 

    Ages 18+. Registration is required and opens on Tuesday, June 17th at 4 PM.

 

  • Outline of the state of Florida, surrounded by blue ocean, with palm trees, citrus, animals, boats, and various symbols of the state, with text "Destination: Florida! Lakeland Public Library Reading Program 2025, June 2- July 25

    Summer Reading Programs 2025

    This summer, your adventure begins at the library! We’re celebrating the power of stories to take you on thrilling journeys, introduce you to fascinating characters, and explore far-off lands, both real and imaginary. Along the way, you can earn rewards by reading books and engaging in activities! 

    June 2nd - July 25th

    Children ages 0-12 can participate in the Kids' Summer Reading Program and adults and teens ages 13+ can register for the Adult and Teen Summer Reading Program. 

    Learn more about the summer reading programs, storytimes, registration, and prizes. 

     

  • Beach with text "Destination Florida, June 2- July 25, Summer 2025" on the sand and three large bubbles in the water with text "Summer Storytimes," "Books!," and "Fun!". Various sea animals, beachballs, and flipflops surround the bubbles and shoreline.

    Summer Storytimes at Lakeland Libraries

    Storytime is on for the summer! All three Lakeland Library locations have preschool storytimes for children ages 2-5 and their grownups, and the Lakeland Public Library has a baby storytime too for children birth to age 2! 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) 
    June 17
    July 1, 15

    Lakeland Public Library Preschool Storytimes (10 AM select Wednesdays) 
    June 11, 18, 25
    July 2, 9, 16, 23

    Lakeland Public Library Baby Storytimes (11 AM select Thursdays) 
    June 12, 26
    July 3, 10, 17, 24

    Larry Jackson Branch Library Storytimes (10 AM select Thursdays) 
    June 12
    July 3, 10, 17, 24

    Larry Jackson Branch Library Bilingual Storytime (10 AM last Thursday of the month) 
    June 26
    July 31

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

  • Dark sky with palm tree in breeze and text "Hurricane Season" hurricane icon; Link to City of Lakeland Hurricane Preparedness website

    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 

  • Lake Mirror in Lakeland, Florida before the Promenade was built in 1925. A banana grove is visible on the left side; link to "Lakeland and Its Lakes" Flickr album

    Lakeland and Its Lakes

    The City of Lakeland is home to thirty-eight named lakes and a few unnamed ones. Many of the names tell part of the history of the city. These prominent geographical features vary in sizes, with Lake Parker being the largest within the city limits. A large portion of the lakes are natural, while others are man-made. People enjoy their beauty, fish in the waters and play on their shores.

    Enjoy this "Lakeland Its Lakes" photographic stroll through our area's lakes and lakefront recreation places, showcased from our Flickr digital collection.

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