Library

Library Holiday Hours

All three Lakeland Library locations will be closed Monday, September 1st for the Labor Day holiday.

We will reopen on Tuesday, September 2nd at 9 AM.

Crafternoon at the Larry R. Jackson Branch Library

Early dismissal from school and don't know what to do? Come create with us! We'll supply the materials; you just bring your imagination. On Friday, August 29th from 2:30-3:30 pm, we will be making our own jigsaw puzzles!

Crafternoon is a monthly, drop-in craft program for kids ages 5-12 and their grownups at the Larry R. Jackson Branch Library, falling on Polk County Public Schools' Early Dismissal Days. No registration required, but things could get messy, so please wear appropriate clothing! Children under the age of 10 must remain with their grown-up in the library throughout the program.

Crafting boosts fine motor skills, improves coordination, allows for creativity and self-expression, and teaches flexibility. 

Questions? Contact Cassie Walters-Shantal at cassandra.walters-shantal@lakelandgov.net

Bilingual Spanish/English Storytime at Jackson Branch

Traiga a su pequeño a la hora de cuentos en la Biblioteca de Larry R. Jackson. Disfrute de canciones, rimas y libros todo en Ingles y Español!

Bring your little one to storytime at the Larry R. Jackson Library. Enjoy songs, rhymes and books in both English and Spanish!

Thursday, August 28th at 10 AM

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) 
September 2, 16

Lakeland Public Library Storytimes (10 AM select Wednesdays) 
September 3, 10, 17

Larry R. Jackson Branch Storytimes (10 AM select Thursdays) 
September 4, 11, 18

Larry Jackson Branch Library Bilingual Storytime (10 AM last Thursday of the month) 
August 28
September 25

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  

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 

Magazines on Libby!

Did you know that your favorite magazines are available on your device with Libby, the library reading app? Browse and borrow from an incredible array of magazines covering a wide range of interests with no wait lists. From fashion and finance to science and society, there’s something for everyone.

Get started today for free with your library card on Libby!

Institutes of Learning

"An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." -- Benjamin Franklin

Enjoy this "Institutes of Learning" photographic stroll through our area's current and former schools and campuses, showcased from our Flickr digital collection.