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.

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

Harry Potter: Return to Hogwarts

Your Hogwarts acceptance letter has arrived! Swish and flick your wand with us for a magical morning filled with Hogwarts-inspired activities, games, and crafts on Saturday, August 3rd from 10 AM to 12 PM at the Lakeland Public Library. Attend Hogwarts classes to complete your magical education.

Witches and wizards of all ages are welcome, but activities are recommended for ages 8 to 13 while supplies last.  No registration required.

Wizarding attire is encouraged! Display your house loyalty by proudly wearing its colors.

Questions? Contact Amanda Holmberg (863) 834-4292 or email Amanda.Holmberg@lakelandgov.net

End-of-Summer Ice Cream Party at Jackson Branch Library

Make the bitter a little more sweet at the Larry R. Jackson Branch Library's End-of-Summer Ice Cream Party on Saturday, August 3rd from 2 PM to 4 PM. 

Say goodbye to summer and hello to the new school year with games, crafts and activities, and of course, free ice cream! A dairy-free option will be available upon request.

All ages welcome, no registration required.

Questions? Contact Cassie Walters-Shantal (863) 834-4294 or email cassandra.walters-shantal@lakelandgov.net

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) 
August 6

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

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

Larry Jackson Branch Library Storytimes (10 AM select Thursdays) 
August 1

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 

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. 

 

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.

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