Library Construction FAQs

Phase 1 is currently underway at the Lakeland Public Library

The Lakeland Public Library began a two-phase construction project on February 22, 2021.

Phase 1 of the project will renovate the adult services areas of the building, replacing lighting, ceiling fixtures, HVAC system, and ductwork. This phase will include the creation of the Lakeland History and Culture Center within the library. The second phase of the project, to begin after the completion of Phase 1, will renovate the youth services areas and meeting room space in the building.

During Phase 1, the following services will be available at the Lakeland Public Library:

• Browse and Checkout children's and teen materials
• Pick up self-serve holds
• Return borrowed materials
• Fax
• Photocopy
• Browse and Checkout Bestseller materials for Adults
• Get a library card
• Visit Black & Brew Coffee Shop

Additional Library Services are available at the Larry R. Jackson Branch Library, 1700 N. Florida Ave and eLibrary South Lakeland, 4740 S. Florida Ave.

• Public access computers for adults 
• Wi-Fi access
• Printing from public computers and wirelessly
• Browse and Checkout library materials for all ages
• Staff assistance with technology 
• Fax 
• Photocopy (Larry R Jackson Branch)

The Lakeland Public Library will close the adult services areas of the building in February 2021 to prepare for construction and relocate library materials and equipment off-site. These materials will still be available for request, but not accessible to the public. Construction for Phase 1 is expected to last 8 to 12 months. 

The Library's Meeting/Community  Room off the Lobby will serve as the entrance and exit to Youth Services as well as the space to check out materials and pick up holds.  It will house a small collection of popular adult books and DVDs.

Computers for adult use will not be available onsite. 

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 libraries be open? 

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

  Larry R. Jackson Branch Library **NEW HOURS** 
  Mon. - Thurs. 9 AM to 7 PM
  Fri. - Sat. 9 AM to 5 PM
  Sunday 1:30 PM to 5 PM

  eLibrary South Lakeland **NEW HOURS**
  Mon. - Thurs. 9 AM to 7 PM
  Fri. - Sat. 9 AM to 5 PM

   

   

• Library Materials

  Q:  I want to find new library materials. Can I browse the collections at the Main Library?

  A:  The Children's Room and Teen Room at the Main Library will remain open and function as normal during Phase 1 of construction. There will also be a small collection of popular adult materials and DVDs located in the Meeting Room. All other adult collection materials will be housed off-site to avoid possible damage.

  Q: My holds are available. Can I pick them up?

  A:  Yes, you can still choose to pick up your requested items at any of the three Lakeland libraries. At the Main Library, the self-serve holds pickup will be relocated to the Meeting Room.

  Q: Can I pick up holds outside the library or have them mailed to me? 

  A: Curbside service will be available for picking up holds at the Lakeland Public Library during construction. If you would like to have your holds brought directly to your vehicle, please contact the library when you arrive so staff can bring your items out to you. The Lakeland Libraries are also mailing materials through our Books by Mail Lakeland service. Choose "Lakeland Books by Mail" as the pickup location for your holds or let library staff know you would like your materials mailed instead of made available for pickup.

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

  A: You can put returns in the outside book drop or bring them inside any of the three Lakeland Library locations. 

  Q:  I have materials to donate to the library. Are donations being accepted? 

  A: No donated material will be accepted during the project, and the Friends’ book sale area will not be running since much the Main Library will be inaccessible.

  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 any Lakeland Library location.

• Computers, Faxing, and Photocopying

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

  A:  During Phase 1 of the construction project, computers for adult use will not be available at the Main Library. There are computers for adult use available at the Larry R. Jackson Branch and eLibrary South Lakeland. The Children's Room and Teen Room at the Main Library will still have computers available for children's and teen's use.

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

  A: Faxing services will still be available at all three library locations.

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

  A: Both the Main Library and Larry R. Jackson Branch Library will have photocopiers available for public use. At the Main Library, the photocopier will be relocated to the Meeting Room.

• Study Spaces at the Library

  Q: I want to book a study space at the Lakeland Public Library. Will rooms be available to reserve? 

  A: The two study rooms in the Children's Room at the Main Library will remain available for booking during Phase 1 of construction. 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.  All adults must be assisting a child or teen to reserve a children's study room.

• Events, Classes, and Programs

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

  A:  Currently, all in-person library programs, events, and classes are cancelled and no public meetings will be scheduled. All library programs will be offered virtually via library social media:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram

   

• Lakeland History Room

  Q:  Will I still be able to visit the Lakeland History Room? 

  A: During construction, the Lakeland History Room will be inaccessible to the public and that collection will be housed off-site. However, the staff of the History Room will still be available to help with local history research via phone or email. To contact them, call 863 834-4269 or email LuAnn Mims or Rebecca Whalon.

   

If you have additional questions, please contact your local library.