Library

Lakeland History & Culture Center Lecture Series: Plant City Photograph Archives

Join us in the Meeting Room at the Lakeland Public Library on Thursday, October 22nd at 5:30 PM to find out more about Plant City's history through the resources of the Plant City Photo Archives.

This local resource preserves the stories and images that make Plant City special. They are a steward of over 100,000 historical photographic images and documents representing the Greater Plant City Area, East Hillsborough, and West Central Florida while providing the public with open access to our collections and research resources.

No registration is required. 

Questions? Contact LuAnn Mims at luann.mims@lakelandgov.net.

Sarah Morrison Violin

Violinist Sarah Morrison brings her project The Captured Bird to Lakeland Public Library on Saturday October 24th from 2-3 PM. Described as children’s music for adults, her performance crosses music genres from ambient, modern classical, and experimental. She uses violin loops, handheld percussion, field recordings, and fragments of found sound with art projections to create a musical atmosphere.

No registration is required, and all ages are welcome.

Questions? Contact Michael Spicer at michael.spicer@lakelandgov.net.

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, October 24th from 3 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 at marine.acostaponce@lakelandgov.net.

Jackson Branch Construction Coming Soon

The Larry R. Jackson Branch Library will close to the public beginning Monday, October 26th, for a renovation project. During construction, the Jackson Branch Library collections, spaces, computers, and outdoor book drop will not be available.

Visit our Jackson Branch Library Construction FAQs for more information about the project, locations for library services and programs, hours of operation at the other Lakeland Libraries, and library services.

Book Pumpkin Contest at Lakeland Public Library

Turn your favorite book into a pumpkin and participate in our book pumpkin contest at the Lakeland Public Library!
Here's how:

1. Decorate a plastic craft pumpkin inspired by your favorite book or book character
2. Enter your pumpkin at the Youth Services Desk at the Lakeland Public Library
3. Vote for best pumpkin online on our website

**Must be 17 and under to enter. Craft pumpkins only. Three winners will be announced on October 30th.**

Submit entries October 1 - October 22.

Vote for best pumpkin October 23 - October 29.

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.

Lakeland Public Library Storytimes (10 AM select Wednesdays) 
October 21, 28
November 4

Coleman-Bush Storytimes (10 AM select Thursdays)** 
November 5, 12

Larry Jackson Branch Library Bilingual Storytime (10 AM last Thursday of the month) 
October 22

Kelly Branch Library Storytimes (10:15 AM select Tuesdays) 
November 3, 17

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  

**Due to construction, the Larry R. Jackson Branch storytimes will be held at the Coleman-Bush Building on select Thursdays beginning in November 2026. 

Signs of the Time

Billboards, marquees, and signs across Lakeland got your attention and also provided information.

Enjoy this "Signs of the Time" photographic stroll through our area's signage and advertising over the years, showcased from our Flickr digital collection.