Library

American Girl Tea Party

Gather your favorite doll and join us for a charming American Girl Tea Party on Saturday, August 22nd at 2 PM at the Lakeland Public Library! Whether you grew up reading the books, collected the dolls as a child, or are introducing a new generation to these beloved characters, this event is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate together. Enjoy drinks and light refreshments while participating in activities inspired by the American Girl series.

All ages welcome. Activities are designed for children and tweens.

No registration is required; however, this is a ticketed event, and tickets will be distributed beginning 30 minutes before the program starts on a first-come, first-served basis.

Manga & Anime Club at Jackson Branch Library

Calling all 13 to 17-year-old anime fans! The LJB Anime club is dedicated to all things manga and anime! We have crafts, anime-related activities, art materials, and snacks. Bring your opinions, recommendations, and come hang out! Join us on Saturday, August 22nd from 3 PM to 4:30 PM at the Larry R. Jackson Branch Library!

Please note that some shows might have content intended for a PG-13 audience.

Questions? Contact Marine Acosta Ponce 863.834.1828 or email marine.acostaponce@lakelandgov.net for additional information.

Get Stuff Done: Bullet Journal Workshop

Discover how bullet journaling can help you organize your life, spark creativity, and bring clarity to your daily routine. In this hands-on workshop on Thursday, August 27th from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM at the Lakeland Public Library, participants will learn the fundamentals of setting up a bullet journal, including simple layouts, habit trackers, goal‑setting pages, and ways to customize the system to fit their lifestyle.

Whether you're looking to manage tasks more effectively, plan personal projects, or explore a creative outlet, this beginner-friendly session will guide you step-by-step. Supplies will be provided, and everyone will leave with a personalized starter journal and ideas for expanding it at home.

This event is for ages 18+. Registration is required and opens Thursday, August 20th at 5:30 PM.

Library Card Design Contest

September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month, and we need your help celebrating! The Lakeland Public Libraries invite you to design our next library card. The selected artworks will be featured on official library cards for use throughout Polk County.

Design submissions will be accepted from August 1st through 31st, with one winner being chosen from each age group: children (ages 3-12), teens (ages 13-17), and adult (ages 18+). The winning designs will be featured on a library card, and the winners will be recognized on the Lakeland Public Library’s social media accounts and digital newsletters.

Learn more about the contest, entry rules, and entry form.

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) 
September 1, 15

Lakeland Public Library Storytimes (10 AM select Wednesdays) 
August 26
September 2, 9, 16

Larry Jackson Branch Library Bilingual Storytime (10 AM last Thursday of the month) 
August 27

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  

Playgrounds, Parks, Fields, and Gardens

Lakeland is home to many outdoor (and indoor) spaces to enjoy, imagine, reflect, and relax.

Enjoy this "Playgrounds, Parks, Fields, and Gardens" photographic stroll through our area's green spaces and recreation places, 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)
August 27
September 3, 10, 17

For more information, please contact Harley Davis at 863.834.4258.