Library

Jackson Branch Touch-A-Truck & Summer Reading Kickoff Party June 1st

Climb aboard, destination: Florida! Join us on Saturday May 31st from 10 am-12 pm at the Larry R. Jackson Branch Library for our second annual Summer Reading Kick-Off Party and Touch-A-Truck! Enjoy crafts, games, and snacks, and pick up your summer reading log. 

See unique vehicles including the following:

• A fire truck with Lakeland Fire Department
• An ambulance with Polk County Fire Rescue
• A bearcat with Lakeland Police Department's SWAT Team
• A garbage truck with the City of Lakeland's Solid Waste Department
• A Citrus Connection bus

The Summer Reading Kick-Off Party is open to all ages, no registration required. 

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

Questions? Contact Cassie Walters-Shantal 863.834.4294 or email cassandra.walters-shantal@lakelandgov.net

Summer Reading Programs 2024

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. 

Summer Kids Crochet Club at Jackson Branch

Hooked on crochet? Kids and teens ages 9-17 are invited every Wednesday from 12-1 pm throughout June and July to the Larry R. Jackson Branch Library to work on their current project, or to start something new. Crocheters of all skill levels are welcome, and while kids are encouraged to bring their own supplies, yarn and hooks will be provided as needed. No registration is required.

Knitters and other fiber artists are welcome, though there will only be crochet instructors available.

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

Questions? Contact Cassie Walters-Shantal 863.834.4294 or email cassandra.walters-shantal@lakelandgov.net

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 3, 17
July 1, 15

Lakeland Public Library Preschool Storytimes (10 AM select Wednesdays) 
June 4, 11, 18, 25
July 2, 9, 16, 23

Lakeland Public Library Baby Storytimes (11 AM select Thursdays) 
June 5, 12, 26
July 3, 10, 17, 24

Larry Jackson Branch Library Storytimes (10 AM select Thursdays) 
June 5, 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 

Build Your Song Library

Access millions of songs and artists. Download and keep 5 songs each week absolutely FREE! Plus, unlimited music streaming! Even better? 15,000+ Music videos are available too!  All you need is your library card.

Visit Freegal Music to get started!

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.

Read, Watch, and Learn!

Tumble into reading fun designed especially for children!

TumbleBooks are animated picture books that incorporate sounds, music, and narration to create an electronic picture book. Read along with or enjoy listening to amusing new stories and classics, too. Many books are featured in English, Spanish, and French. 

Get started today with your library card!

Get the app!