Library

Libraries Closed Monday, September 2nd

All three Lakeland Library locations will be CLOSED Monday, September 2nd for the Labor Day holiday.

We will reopen Tuesday, September 3rd at 9 AM.

Sewing Saturday on September 14th

We've got the basics, where can we go? Join us on Saturday, September 14th at 10:00 am for projects to sew!

Older kids and teens ages 9-17 are invited to join us for a free 90-minute class for students with some sewing machine experience. Sewing Saturday is limited to ten (10) participants and registration is required.

September's Project: Fabric pumpkin

Find out more information or register beginning at 10 AM on September 7th.

Jigsaw Puzzle Competition

Calling all puzzle lovers! Get ready to show off your speed and skills at the Lakeland Public Library on Saturday, September 7th from 1:45 PM to 4:15 PM. Gather your dream team of 2-4 puzzle pros and race to become the ultimate jigsaw champs of the library! Ten teams will have 120 minutes to complete a 500-piece puzzle.

How to play:

• Put together a team of 2 – 4 people. All members on the team must be ages 13+.
• Create a team name.
• Select a team captain. The captain is responsible for registering your team and will be the primary contact for the event. Only the captain should register the team for the event.
• Registration for the event opens Saturday, August 31 at 1:45 PM.

Event details:

• Each team will receive the same 500-piece puzzle. No one gets to see the puzzle until the timer starts. 
• The team who completes the puzzle first, or has the least number of loose pieces remaining after 120 minutes wins the competition.
• Event begins promptly at 1:45 PM. Teams who do not arrive by the start of event will forfeit their spot to a team on the waitlist.

Questions? Contact Amanda Holmberg at 863.834.4292 or email amanda.holmberg@lakelandgov.net

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 3, 17

Lakeland Public Library Storytimes (10 AM select Wednesdays) 
September 4, 11, 18

Larry R. Jackson Branch Storytimes (10 AM select Thursdays) 
September 5, 12, 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  

Institutes of Learning

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

August brings the start of a new school year. As students and teachers prepare to go back to school, virtually revisit some of the campuses, schools, and institutes of learning in Lakeland through the years with this "Institutes of Learning" photographic tour, 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)
September 5, 12, 19

For more information, please contact Melissa Estrada at 863.834.4275.  

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