ATTENTION, PHASE 3 WATER SHORTAGE declared by Southwest Florida Water Management District. Learn more.
The main Lakeland Public Library and Kelly Branch Library** will be closed Wednesday, November 11th for the Veteran's Day holiday.
Both libraries will reopen Thursday, November 12th at 9 AM.
**The Larry R. Jackson Branch Library remains closed for construction
Want to discuss that popular new title you just finished? We're here for you! Every month at the Kelly Branch Library we'll discuss a recent best-selling book, with our next meeting on Thursday, November 5th from 6:15 to 7:30 PM.
November's book:
Keeper of Lost Children by Sadeqa Johnson
This event is for ages 18+, and registration is required.
Questions? Contact Susan Crawford at susan.crawford@lakelandgov.net.
Love to talk about books? Join us for Books Sandwiched In on Tuesday November 10th at 12:15 PM to discuss The Correspondent by Virginia Evans! During the Larry R. Jackson Branch's closure, BSI will meet at the Coleman-Bush Building located at 1104 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. Lakeland, FL 338085.
This event is for ages 18+, and registration is required.
Questions? Contact Danielle Daniels at danielle.daniels@lakelandgov.net.
The votes are in and our winners in this year's Book Pumpkin Contest are...
Pumpkin Name: Drama Squirrel (Pumpkin U)
Book: The Leaf Thief
Created by Ollie, age 12
Pumpkin Name: Pooh (Pumpkin D)
Book: Winnie the Pooh
Created by Cheyanne, age 10
Pumpkin Name: Snozzle
Book: Busiest Fire Fighters Ever!
Created by Lilla, age 10
Pumpkin Name: Chi
Book: Chi’s Sweet Adventure
Created by Annsley, age 8
* Voted on by McKeel Central's second grade classes
Attention participants! If you entered a pumpkin into our Book Pumpkin Contest, stop by the Youth Services desk when you pick up your pumpkin for a little Halloween treat.
Thank you to all our Book Pumpkin Contest participants and voters! View all the contest entries.
The Larry R. Jackson Branch Library is closed to the public beginning Monday, October 26th, for a renovation project. During construction, the Jackson Branch Library collections, spaces, computers, and outdoor book drop are not 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.
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)
November 3, 17
Lakeland Public Library Storytimes (10 AM select Wednesdays)
November 4
Coleman-Bush Storytimes (10 AM select Thursdays)**
November 5, 12
Coleman-Bush Bilingual Storytime (10 AM last Thursday of the month)**
November 19
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.
Lakeland is alive with the Sounds of Music. Enjoy this photographic stroll through Lakeland's local musical heritage, showcased from our Flickr digital collection.
