Library

July Author Talks with Children's Book Authors

In July, our author talks series is for the kids...and fans of kids' lit! Join our ongoing series of free virtual author talks with bestselling authors Kate DiCamillo, Max Brallier, Elizabeth Acevedo, and Dan Santat throughout the month of July. Register to attend each talk live, and to submit questions for the author in advance. Can’t make the live talks? Access recordings of previous speakers on demand.

Surviving the Summer with The Last Kids on Earth and Max Brallier
Register to join live on Tuesday, July 16th @ 2 pm

Learning the Power of Poetry with Bestselling Author Elizabeth Acevedo
Register to join live on Tuesday, July 23rd @ 2 pm

Graphic Novels are Life! Telling Your Own Story in a Graphic Novel
with Dan Santat
Register to join live on Tuesday, July 30th @  2 pm

These programs are brought to you in partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium

Summer Reading Programs 2024

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 3rd - July 26th

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. 

 

Board Gamers at the Lakeland Public Library

Come play with us at the Lakeland Public Library on Saturday, July 20th from 2 PM - 4 PM, and bring your family and friends! Maybe you’ll make some new friends while you play. We have the classics, as well as some games that you may not have tried before; from Apples to Apples to Zombie Dice, we have you covered!

Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult. No registration required.

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 16

Lakeland Public Library Preschool Storytimes (10 AM select Wednesdays) 
July 17, 24

Lakeland Public Library Baby Storytimes (11 AM select Thursdays) 
July 18, 25

Larry Jackson Branch Library Storytimes (10 AM select Thursdays) 
July 18

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 

Playgrounds, Parks, Fields, and Gardens

The City of Lakeland is home to many green spaces and places for fun in the sun or to beat the heat. Whether outdoors or indoors, Lakeland's playgrounds, parks, fields, and gardens are spaces to enjoy, imagine, reflect, and relax.

Enjoy this photographic stroll through recreation spaces of Lakeland, showcased from our Flickr Digital Collection.

Spools Out for Summer!

Sewing is a fun, creative outlet that develops dexterity, fine motor skills, patience, and self-confidence.

In each four-day sewing series, participants will learn how to use a sewing machine, basic stitches, and hand-sewing skills as they make fun projects to take home.

Registration is required and will open one week before classes begin. Registration is for all four (4) classes in the camp, but seating is limited. If you are registering more than one child for the series, you will need to register each child separately to reserve a seat for each.

**NOTE: If you have attended any Spools Out for Summer kids or teens camp or Learn to Sew for Kids previously, you are not eligible to register for this learn-to-sew series. Any repeat registrants will be removed from the list.**

Larry R. Jackson Branch Meeting Room 

• Session 6: Monday, July 22 – Thursday, July 25 @ 10 am (youth, ages 9-13) 

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