Library

Sweet & Spicy Book Club

This is NOT your Mother’s Book Club! Join your favorite librarians at the Lakeland Public Library on November 3rd at 5:30 PM to discuss The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston. Each month, we will explore new genres, share recommendations, and make friends.

The Sweet & Spicy Book Club meets at the Lakeland Public Library on the first Tuesday of each month at 5:30 PM. This event is for ages 18+. No registration required.

Questions? Contact Ángeles Otero at angeles.otero@lakelandgov.net.

 

Book Pumpkin Contest Winners

The votes are in and our winners in this year's Book Pumpkin Contest are...

 

1st Place:

Pumpkin Name: Drama Squirrel (Pumpkin U)
Book: The Leaf Thief
Created by Ollie, age 12

 

2nd Place:

Pumpkin Name: Pooh (Pumpkin D)
Book: Winnie the Pooh
Created by Cheyanne, age 10

 

3rd Place:

Pumpkin Name: Snozzle
Book: Busiest Fire Fighters Ever!
Created by Lilla, age 10

 

Kids' Choice*:

Pumpkin Name: Chi
Book: Chi’s Sweet Adventure
Created by Annsley, age 8

* Voted on by McKeel Central's second grade classes

 

Attention participants! If you entered a pumpkin into our Book Pumpkin Contest, stop by the Youth Services desk when you pick up your pumpkin for a little Halloween treat.

Thank you to all our Book Pumpkin Contest participants and voters! View all the contest entries.

Journal Jam Workshop

Step into our Journal Jam session on Wednesday, November 4th from 5 to 6:30 PM at the Lakeland Public Library and transform your journal into a dazzling keepsake! Bring along your journal, papers, pics, memorabilia, and a splash of creativity. Get ready to junk journal your heart out! Basic journal supplies will be provided.

No registration required. This event is for ages 18+.

Questions? Contact Ángeles Otero at angeles.otero@lakelandgov.net.

Jackson Branch Construction Closure

The Larry R. Jackson Branch Library is closed to the public beginning Monday, October 26th, for a renovation project. During construction, the Jackson Branch Library collections, spaces, computers, and outdoor book drop are not available.

Visit our Jackson Branch Library Construction FAQs for more information about the project, locations for library services and programs, hours of operation at the other Lakeland Libraries, and library services.

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)
November 3, 17

Lakeland Public Library Storytimes (10 AM select Wednesdays) 
November 4

Coleman-Bush Storytimes (10 AM select Thursdays)** 
November 5, 12

Coleman-Bush Bilingual Storytime (10 AM last Thursday of the month)** 
November 19

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  

**Due to construction, the Larry R. Jackson Branch storytimes will be held at the Coleman-Bush Building on select Thursdays beginning in November 2026. 

Signs of the Time

Billboards, marquees, and signs across Lakeland got your attention and also provided information.

Enjoy this "Signs of the Time" photographic stroll through our area's signage and advertising over the years, showcased from our Flickr digital collection.

Baby Storytime at Lakeland Public Library

Join us at 11 AM on select Thursdays at the Lakeland Public Library for an interactive lapsit Baby Storytime with songs, rhymes, and fingerplays! 

Baby Storytime is designed for ages birth to 2 years old. 

Lakeland Public Library Baby Storytime (11 AM Thursdays)
November 5, 12

For more information, please contact Harley Davis at 863.834.4258.