Library

Florida Jeopardy!

Think you’ve got Florida all figured out? Dive into our Sunshine State Showdown on Saturday, July 12th at 10 AM at the Lakeland Public Library for Florida-themed Jeopardy, where palm trees meet pop culture and gators are just part of the fun! Ten teams will have the opportunity to battle it out for the ultimate title of Florida Fanatic in this classic Jeopardy style game. 

How to play:

• Put together a team of 2 – 4 people. All members on the team must be ages 13+.
• Create a team name.
• Select a team captain. The captain is responsible for registering your team and will be the primary contact for the event. Only the captain should register the team for the event.

This event is for ages 13+. Registration is required and will open on Saturday, July 5th at 10 AM.

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Florida Jeopardy is part of the Library’s Adult and Teen Summer Reading Program. Teams that sign up for this event will have the chance to participate in the prize drawing for the Summer Reading Program.

In the Loop: Crochet Class

Want a sunny, summer activity without the sunburn? Join the Crochet Club in the Commons at the Lakeland Public Library on Tuesday July 15th at 5pm to create a Sunny Granny Square! No sunscreen necessary.

In the Loop is a crochet club offered to intermediate crocheters that meets the 3rd Tuesday of every month. The pattern, yarn, and hooks will be provided for you, though you are more than welcome to bring your own hook if you’d like (size 4.5mm).

July Project: Sun Granny Square 

This club is available for ages 18+. Registration is required and opens Tuesday, July 8th at 5 PM.

Wild Florida 101 at Jackson Branch

Calling all explorers! Drop by the Larry R. Jackson Branch Library on Saturday July 19th from 12 pm to 2 pm to engross yourselves in the wild world of Florida’s flora and fauna. Learn about the sunshine state by smelling interestingly icky smells, making tasty terrains, and touching swampy slimes! Wild Florida 101 is intended for children ages 7-14 and their families.

No registration required. No live animals will be present at this event.

Questions? Contact Marine Acosta Ponce (863) 834-1828 or email marine.acostaponce@lakelandgov.net

Summer Reading Programs 2025

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 2nd - July 25th

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. 

 

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) 
July 15

Lakeland Public Library Preschool Storytimes (10 AM select Wednesdays) 
July 9, 16, 23

Lakeland Public Library Baby Storytimes (11 AM select Thursdays) 
July 10, 17, 24

Larry Jackson Branch Library Storytimes (10 AM select Thursdays) 
July 10, 17, 24

Larry Jackson Branch Library Bilingual Storytime (10 AM last Thursday of the month) 
July 31

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 

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 

In the Summertime...

...when the weather is hot! Lakelanders know how to enjoy the summer sunshine and their favorite outdoor activities, which sometimes means staying cool indoors too!

Enjoy this "In the Summertime..." photographic stroll through summertime recreation in Lakeland, with beaches, pools, fishing, sports, movies, and more, showcased from our Flickr digital collection.