Library

Learn to Grow Spring Vegetables Workshop

Turn kitchen scraps and yard waste into a valuable resource for your landscape. Join the Lakeland Public Library and UF/IFAS Extension Polk County on Tuesday, April 28th at 10 AM in the Meeting Room to learn the basics of home composting, including what to compost, simple composting methods, and tips for maintaining a healthy compost pile. Participants will learn how compost improves soil health and reduces household waste—perfect for anyone looking to garden more sustainably at home. This event is for ages 18+.

To register for this workshop, please visit the UF/IFAS Extension Polk County event page at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/introduction-to-home-composting-tickets-1981255536644?aff=oddtdtcreator

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

An Evening of Chamber Music

The Lakeland Public Library invites you to enjoy An Evening of Chamber Music on Thursday, April 30th at 5:30pm!

Join us in the Lakeland Public Library Meeting Room to enjoy classical chamber music performed by educators from both Harrison School for the Arts and Florida Southern College. The performance by Matthew Davis, cello, and Patrick Fleitz, piano, will include the Sonata in E Minor by Johannes Brahms and works by the great cellist-composer William Henry Squire.

No registration required. All ages welcome.

Cross Stitch for Beginners

Join us at the Lakeland Public Library on Wednesday, May 6th, and Thursday, May 7th, from 5 PM to 6:30 PM each day for a two-day workshop and discover the wonderful world of cross stitch. Learn how to read a counted cross stitch pattern, how to complete the stitch, and pick up all the tips and techniques you need to complete your very own project.

This event is for ages 18+. Registration is required and will open on Wednesday, April 29th at 5 PM.

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) 
May 5, 19

Lakeland Public Library Storytimes (10 AM select Wednesdays) 
April 29
May 6, 13

Larry R. Jackson Branch Storytimes (10 AM select Thursdays) 
May 7, 14, 21

Larry Jackson Branch Library Bilingual Storytime (10 AM last Thursday of the month) 
April 30

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  

There Is a Beautiful Land

...Where all your dreams come true;
It's all tied up in a rainbow,
All shiny and new;
But it's not easy to find
No matter what you do.

Lakeland was known as the "Citrus Center" for decades due to the number of groves, packinghouses and citrus processing plants in the area. The Florida Citrus Commission and Florida Citrus Mutual were both, at one time, located in Lakeland. 

Enjoy this "There Is a Beautiful Land" photographic stroll through Lakeland's citrus history, showcased from our Flickr digital collection.

eBooks, Audiobooks, and Movies Anytime!

Download and enjoy up to 10 ebooks, audiobooks, and movies on your tablet or mobile device for free with OverDrive.

Create a free account with your library card and browse hundreds of titles, with new content added all the time. Plus, Lakeland users have access to additional OverDrive ADVANTAGE titles too!

For a quick and easy way to borrow and read from your library, download and try the Libby app, brought to you by Overdrive!

Build Your Song Library

Access millions of songs and artists with freegalmusic+. Download and keep 5 songs each week absolutely FREE! Plus, unlimited music streaming! Even better? 15,000+ Music videos are available too! 

Visit Freegal Music to get started!