Library

Paint with a Pro!

Whether you're a seasoned artist or picking up a brush for the first time, join us at the Lakeland Public Library on Thursday, June 12th from 3 PM to 4:30 PM for Paint with a Pro! and ignite your creativity in a fun, relaxing environment. A professional instructor from local art studio Take It Personally Art will guide you step-by-step, ensuring you leave with a masterpiece that captures the vibrant hues of a summer sunset. All supplies will be provided; just bring your imagination!

This class is for ages 18 and up. Registration is required and opens on Thursday, June 5th at 3 PM.

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. 

 

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.

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 

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 

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!

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.