Larry R. Jackson Branch Library Construction FAQs

Construction at the Jackson Branch Library Begins in November 2026

The Larry R. Jackson Branch Library will be closed to the public beginning Monday, October 26th, to begin a construction project.

This project will include replacing lighting throughout the facility and renovating the public restrooms. During construction, the Jackson Branch will be closed to the public and all library materials, spaces, computers, and outside book drop will not be accessible to the public. Construction is expected to last approximately four months.

During the Jackson Branch closure, the following services will be available at the Coleman-Bush Building (1104 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue):

• Browse and checkout bestseller materials from the book vending machine
• Return borrowed materials
• Library programs, including:
  • Knit One, Crochet Too club
  • Preschool Storytimes
  • Computer Classes
  • Books Sandwiched In book club
  • Made @ the Library adult craft program

Additional Library Services are available at the Lakeland Public Library (100 Lake Morton Drive) and Kelly Branch Library (404 Imperial Boulevard):

• Browse and Checkout materials for all ages
• Pick up self-serve holds
• Return borrowed materials
• Get a library card
• Public access computers for adults (Lakeland Public Library)
• Wi-Fi access
• Printing from public computers and wirelessly
• Staff assistance with technology 
• Fax 
• Photocopy (Lakeland Public Library)

For more information about library services during construction, please view the FAQs below.

FAQs (click to expand each category):

• Library Hours

  Q:  What hours will the other Lakeland libraries be open during the Jackson Branch construction? 

  Lakeland Public Library
  Mon. - Thurs. 9 AM to 7 PM
  Fri. - Sat. 9 AM to 5 PM
  Sunday 1:30 PM to 5 PM

  Kelly Branch Library 
  Mon. - Thurs. 9 AM to 6 PM
  Friday 9 AM to 5 PM

• Map and Directions to Other Library Locations and the Coleman-Bush Building

  Q: I usually visit the Larry R. Jackson Branch Library. How do I get to the other Lakeland Libraries or Coleman-Bush Building?

  A: To get directions to the Lakeland Public Library, Kelly Branch Library, or Coleman-Bush Building, scan the QR code below with your phone camera to get Google Maps directions, or click on the "Open directions in Google Maps" link for each location.

                        

• Library Materials

  Q:  I want to find new library materials. Where can I browse collections? 

  A:  The Lakeland Public Library and Kelly Branch Library collections are available for browsing and checkout during library hours.

  Q: I have library materials checked out currently. Where can I return them? 

  A: The Jackson Branch Library outside book drop will not be available during construction. You can return items inside the Coleman-Bush Building, Lakeland Public Library, and Kelly Branch Library. Both the Lakeland Public Library and Kelly Branch Library also offer an outside book drop. 

  Q: I use Interlibrary Loan to get materials from outside Polk County. Will this service still be available? 

  A: Yes, interlibrary loans will continue to be accepted. If you are searching for an item not available from a library within Polk County, we can expand the search to the state level. Make an interlibrary loan request using this online form or by filling out a request in person at the Lakeland Public Library or Kelly Branch Library.

• Requesting Items and Picking Up Holds

  Q: I usually request and pickup holds at the Jackson Branch. Will I still be able to request items?  

  A. You will be able to place holds for pickup at the Jackson Branch Library through Friday, October 16th. Holds placed after that date will need to have a different pickup location library or you can choose to have the items mailed to you through our Books by Mail service. Library staff can assist with placing your holds, or if placing them yourself, you can choose another library branch or "Books by Mail" as the pickup location.

  Q: I have items on hold for pickup at the Jackson Branch, but they have not come in yet. What will happen to my holds if they come in after the Jackson Branch closes for construction?

  A. Items on hold for pickup at the Jackson Branch Library that have not been filled by Friday, October 16th, will automatically have their pickup location library updated for pickup at the Lakeland Public Library. If you would like your holds sent to another library location or mailed to you instead, library staff can update the pickup location for your hold(s). 

  Q: How can I get my requested items at the other Lakeland Libraries? 

  A:  You can still choose to pick up your requested items at the Lakeland Public Library or Kelly Branch Library. Each location has a self-service holds pickup available, and staff can assist with placing holds for pickup at these locations and locating the holds shelf.

   

• Computers, Printing, Faxing, Copying, and WiFi

  Q: I need to use a computer at the library. Where can I use a library computer? 

  A:  During the construction project, computers for public use will not be available at the Larry R. Jackson Branch Library. There are computers available at the Lakeland Public Library for adults, teens, and children. The Kelly Branch Library also has one public computer available for adult use, as well as Chromebooks.

  Q: I need to print documents at the library. Where can I print from a computer? Where can I mobile print from my phone? 

  A:  If you need to print documents from a computer, you can do so at both the Lakeland Public Library and Kelly Branch Library. The Lakeland Public Library has many public computer stations, while the Kelly Branch has one available. If you need to print content directly from your phone, both the Lakeland Public Library and Kelly Branch Library have a mobile print service available.

  Q: I need to fax documents. Where I can send a fax? 

  A: Faxing services are available at the Lakeland Public Library.

  Q: I have documents to photocopy. Where can I photocopy? 

  A: The Lakeland Public Library has a black and white photocopier available for public use.

  Q: I have my own device. Where I use the library's WiFi? 

  A:  WiFi is available at both the Lakeland Public Library and Kelly Branch Library.

• Study and Meeting Spaces at the Library

  Q: I want to book a study space. Where will rooms be available to reserve? 

  A: While the Jackson Branch study rooms will not be available during construction, the Lakeland Public Library has four study rooms in the adult area and two study rooms in the Children's Room that are available for booking. These rooms can be reserved online for a maximum of two hours, with a default 15-minute padding between all bookings to allow for cleaning.  After 2 PM, adults must be assisting a child or teen to reserve a children's study room.

  Q: I want to book a meeting space at the library. Will rooms be available to reserve? 

  A: For groups larger than two, the Lakeland Public Library has a Training Room space and Meeting Room available booking. The Training Room can be reserved for a maximum of six people and has a conference table, whiteboard, and digital display with HDMI cable connection. The Lakeland Public Library Meeting Room can be reserved for larger groups (10-80 people) and has a projector, screen, and HDMI cable connection.

• Events, Classes, and Programs

  Q: Will there be any events or classes at the libraries?

  A:  Library programs, events, and classes will continue at both the Lakeland Public Library and Kelly Branch Library. Several programs from the Larry R. Jackson Branch Library will be held at the Coleman-Bush Building during the Jackson Branch construction project, including: 

  • Knit One, Crochet Too club
  • Preschool Storytimes
  • Computer Classes
  • Books Sandwiched In book club
  • Made @ the Library adult craft program

   

  Visit our library events calendar to view all library programs, events, and classes across the two library locations and Coleman-Bush Building.

If you have additional questions, please contact your local library or complete the form below and staff will respond as soon as possible.

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