LAKELAND, FL (August 25, 2022) | The main branch of the Lakeland Public Library will open on Tuesday, September 6thth after months of construction for Phase One of the project which includes new HVAC system, ceilings, lighting, flooring, paint, furniture, new collection presentation and exhibit room addition for the History and Culture Center.
The entire library will be closed until reopening beginning Monday, August 29th until Monday, September 5th. During the closure, crews will be moving collections, furniture and equipment to ensure the library is in place and ready to serve for the opening on Tuesday, September 6.th. The book supply will remain open for returns during the closing period. The Larry R. Jackson Branch Library and eLibrary will be open regular hours that week. Please visit https://www.lakelandgov.net/departments/library/locations-hours for a complete list of locations and hours for City of Lakeland library services.
The second phase of the Main Library construction is scheduled to begin in late September and will close the youth services area and meeting room for major renovations. The second phase is scheduled to take about three months to complete. Construction will include replacing the HVAC system in the Youth Services and Meeting Room spaces, adding a single ADA restroom off the lobby, new ceiling, lighting, flooring, paint and some furniture updates.
Lisa Lilyquist, City Librarian said, “We are very excited to serve our many patrons in this new space and will soon have our History and Cultural Center open to the public as well. The project took a little longer than expected, but the finished product will be worth the wait. Although we are waiting for some of our exhibition materials for the Center of History and Culture, the History Room will open to the public on September 6th.th.”
The History Room is a great resource for the Lakeland community. Trained staff can assist visitors with their Lakeland history research and genealogical questions. The unique collection of materials in the history room includes yearbooks, directories, maps, genealogical materials, old estate plans, artifacts, photographs and personal materials from local leaders and pioneers. There is also a DYI digitization space so visitors can reformat old analog materials such as videotapes, tapes, and photographs into newer digital formats.
CONTACT
Kevin Cook
Director of Communications
City of Lakeland
863.834.6264
[email protected]
About Lakeland
The city of Lakeland was incorporated in January 1885 and has grown to become one of the largest inland communities in Florida. With a current population of over 100,000, Lakeland continues to grow. It has been designated a Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area by the US Census Bureau for more than 30 years. With tourist attractions and bay beaches only an hour away, Lakeland continues to take advantage of its ideal central Florida location along the I-4 corridor. The city owns and operates Lakeland Electric, the third largest publicly owned utility in Florida and was one of the first to provide power to the Sunshine State over 110 years ago.
For additional information about the City of Lakeland, please visit www.lakelandgov.net. Citizens are also invited to follow the city on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Vimeo, Snapchat and Nextdoor. Citizens can find the City of Lakeland on these social media platforms by searching lakelandgov.
For additional information about the City of Lakeland, please explore LakelandGov.net.
Citizens are invited to follow the city on social networks.
