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  • Examples of proteins including meat and eggs with text "Pick a Protein, Any Protein! Lakeland Public Library" and logos for Feeding Tampa Bay, SNAP education, and Florida Nutrition Ed; link to Library events calendar to register for nutrition workshop

    Pick a Protein, Any Protein: Nutrition Workshop

    Join the Lakeland Public Library and Feeding Tampa Bay on Thursday, July 17th from 3 PM to 4 PM to discover the essence of protein, unveil its significance to well-being, and explore how embracing a nutrient-rich diet can elevate your health and keep you nourished. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions about food choices and leave feeling more educated and ready to tackle your nutritional life journey!

    This workshop is for ages 18+. Registration is required and opens on Thursday, July 10th at 3 PM.

  • Forrest scene with ooze splat with text "Larry R. Jackson Branch Library, Wild Florida! All ages! July 19th 12PM-2PM. Get engrossed through icky activities!"

    Wild Florida 101 at Jackson Branch

    Calling all explorers! Drop by the Larry R. Jackson Branch Library on Saturday July 19th from 12 pm to 2 pm to engross yourselves in the wild world of Florida’s flora and fauna. Learn about the sunshine state by smelling interestingly icky smells, making tasty terrains, and touching swampy slimes! Wild Florida 101 is intended for children ages 7-14 and their families.

    No registration required. No live animals will be present at this event.

    Questions? Contact Marine Acosta Ponce at 863.834.1828 or email marine.acostaponce@lakelandgov.net

  • Illustration of two people seated at table with one taking the other's blood pressure with text Lakeland Public Library Heath Screening with BayCare!

    Heath Screening with BayCare

    Stay proactive about your health by obtaining a complimentary blood pressure screening and Tanita Scale reading from a BayCare healthcare professional in The Commons at the Lakeland Public Library on Monday, July 21st from 3 PM to 5 PM. This screening helps you stay on track for a healthy year!

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


 

  • 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) 
    July 15

    Lakeland Public Library Preschool Storytimes (10 AM select Wednesdays) 
    July 16, 23

    Lakeland Public Library Baby Storytimes (11 AM select Thursdays) 
    July 17, 24

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

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

  • Postcard of bathing beauties find sun and water recreation on Crystal Lake Beach, 1948; link to "In the Summertime..." Flickr album

    In the Summertime...

    ...when the weather is hot! Lakelanders know how to enjoy the summer sunshine and their favorite outdoor activities, which sometimes means staying cool indoors too!

    Enjoy this "In the Summertime..." photographic stroll through summertime recreation in Lakeland, with beaches, pools, fishing, sports, movies, and more, showcased from our Flickr digital collection.