Lakeland Main Public Library

The Lakeland Public Library is located on the shores of historic Lake Morton. Offering a wealth a resources & reference material, the library has many modern amenities as well. The library is one of many free wireless Internet 'hot spots' in Downtown Lakeland. There are also DVDs, audio & videotapes, & other media available. Browse the catalog anytime on-line or simply drop in & enjoy the surroundings. Free classes are also available, so check the schedule for times & availability!

One of the more popular attractions at the library is the Lakeland Special collection. The mission of the Special Collections unit of the Lakeland Public Library is to acquire, preserve and make accessible to researchers materials, which document Lakeland's history. The materials focus specifically on the city's people institutions, organizations, industries and events. Materials relating to Polk County and the state of Florida are also acquired as those items have a Lakeland connection.

The collections consist of records, manuscripts, printed and published material, maps, photographs, films, videotapes, audio cassettes, scrapbooks, posters, news clips, newsletters and ephemera, especially postcards and citrus labels. The unit also maintains an index to obituaries in The Ledger from 1911 to 1975 and an index to deaths in Polk County between 1975 and 1998. Though the Lakeland Room is not a museum, the unit will on occasion accept artwork and artifacts that have a direct connection to the city.

Main Location at Lake Morton
Monday through Thursday - 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Friday and Saturday - 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday - 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
863-834-4280