Library

LEGO Club at Jackson Branch

Calling all young builders, makers, architects, and engineers! The Larry R. Jackson Branch Library invites you to our LEGO club on Tuesday, August 19th from 5PM to 6:30 PM.

Beginners and experts ages 5-17 and their grown-ups are welcome to come work on their own LEGO creations or take our themed challenge. No registration required.

Playing with LEGO bricks promotes hand/eye coordination, enhances fine motor skills, develops problem solving skills, increases attention/concentration span, and unleashes creativity.

The library will provide the LEGO bricks, while the kids and teens provide the imagination! LEGO bricks will be sanitized after each use. All materials must stay in the library, so bring a camera to capture your creation. 

Vegetable Gardening Workshop

Join us in the Lakeland Public Library Meeting Room on Tuesday, August 26th from 10 AM to 11 AM to explore the joys of gardening and growing vegetables through an engaging collaborative program with the University of Florida!  No registration required.

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

My Eye, My Life Photography Presentation

Visit the Lakeland Public Library on World Photography Day (Tuesday, August 19th) at 5:30 PM in the Meeting Room to hear local photographer, Rick Runion’s, presentation, “My Eye, My Life: How Photography Can Tell the Story of Your Life for Future Generations.”

Through his own images, Rick Runion will share the power of photography as a personal storytelling tool—how the images you capture reflect your unique perspective, experiences, and values. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just starting out, discover how your everyday moments can become a lasting legacy, preserving your story for future generations through the lens of your own eye. The presentation will also include some great techniques that will help you create more interesting images.

No registration is required. All ages welcome.

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) 
August 19
September 2, 16

Lakeland Public Library Storytimes (10 AM select Wednesdays) 
August 20, 27
September 3, 10, 17

Larry R. Jackson Branch Storytimes (10 AM select Thursdays) 
August 21
September 4, 11, 18

Larry Jackson Branch Library Bilingual Storytime (10 AM last Thursday of the month) 
August 28
September 25

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 

Magazines on Libby!

Did you know that your favorite magazines are available on your device with Libby, the library reading app? Browse and borrow from an incredible array of magazines covering a wide range of interests with no wait lists. From fashion and finance to science and society, there’s something for everyone.

Get started today for free with your library card on Libby!

Institutes of Learning

"An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." -- Benjamin Franklin

Enjoy this "Institutes of Learning" photographic stroll through our area's current and former schools and campuses, showcased from our Flickr digital collection.