Libraries in Lakeland and Polk County provide FREE summer activities to keep kids and families engaged all summer long. Summer library programs include a variety of hands-on activities, storytimes, movies, performances, guest speakers, musicians, and more. You can have fun and learn something new, all at the same time at summer library progams near you. All library programs are FREE!
Below you’ll find a list of in-person library activities and story times for Summer 2024. Check directly with your local library for other things to do this summer including Summer Reading Programs, reading rewards, take-home craft kits, and more.
Many library activities have limited space and cannot accommodate daycares, summer camps, or groups. Details are provided below, check directly with the library for any registration requirements. You can also find library programs on our calendar, along with year-round kids and teen activities.
Don’t miss our full list of Summer Reading Programs to learn how kids can earn prizes for tracking their summer reading. We’ve also got a list of 15 places to find free books for kids and adults, and a year round list of Library Storytimes near you.
Summer Library Programs in Polk County:
Summer Reading Adventure Guide – Polk County Library Cooperative
The Polk County Library Cooperative also has a fantastic Summer Adventure Guide with all of this info in one document! Check it out:
Mining Mayhem – Polk County Library Cooperative
Pick up an adventure map at select libraries in Polk County, travel to the participating libraries and complete a Minecraft-related activity, and earn a sticker on your map. Collect every sticker to be entered into a grand prize raffle including four tickets to LEGOLAND Florida.
Participating libraries: Auburndale, Bartow, Dundee, Eagle Lake, Fort Meade, Haines City, Lakeland Kelly Branch, Lake Alfred, Lake Wales, Lakeland (Main), Larry R. Jackson Branch, Latt Maxcy Memorial Library (Frostproof), Winter Haven, Visit Central Florida Welcome Center Vending Library
Lakeland Public Library – Main Branch
- Summer Kick Off – May 31 from 10-12pm – Kick off summer with us! Come see a real plane at the library! Pet a plane, enjoy aviation activities, and pick up your summer reading log. All ages are welcome.
- Preschool Storytime (ages 2-5) – Wednesdays at 10am from June 5 – July 24 (except June 19) – Lively interactive storytime featuring books, songs, rhymes, crafts and more. For children ages 2-5 and their grown-ups.
- Baby Storytime (ages 2 & under) – Thursdays at 11am from June 6 – July 25 – Infant lapsit program featuring books, bounces, rhymes, and fingerplays. Baby Storytime is intended for babies birth-2 years old and their grown-ups.
- Summer STEAM (ages 7-12) – Fridays at 3:30pm from June 14 – July 26 – Beakers & Books, Tech-Know Time, or Wonder Robotics.
- Youth Sewing Camp – Spools Out for the Summer (ages 9-13 and 13-17) – multiple sessions for summer 2024. Advance Registration is required.
- Take Home Craft Kits – Pick up a take-home craft kit each week at any Lakeland Library. New kits will be available on Monday each week and will be given out while supplies last.
- Virtual Author Talks (All 3 Lakeland Libraries) – In July, the Library Speakers Consortium welcomes bestselling children’s authors Kate DiCamillo (7/9), Max Brallier (7/16), Elizabeth Acevedo (7/23), and Dan Santat (7/30). Join the authors, virtually, as they talk about their books and answer your questions! Each event begins at 2pm. To register for the live event or watch past events, please visit: libraryc.org/lakelandlibrary.
Lakeland Public Library
100 Lake Morton Dr, Lakeland, FL 33801
Website / Facebook / (863) 834-4280
Larry R. Jackson Branch Library – Lakeland
- Touch-A-Truck & Summer Kick-Off Party – June 1 from 2-4 pm – Kick-off the summer adventure at the Larry R. Jackson Branch Library with unique vehicles including an LPD police car, Citrus Connection bus, and PCLC Bookmobile! Enjoy crafts, activities, snacks, and pick up your summer reading log! All ages are welcome.
- Movie Mondays – Every Monday from 2-4pm all summer long, enjoy a movie with snacks at the library, each based around our weekly theme. All ages are welcome, no registration required. (July 15 is 10 am-12 pm)
- LEGO Club (ages 5-17) – We’re kicking LEGO Club into high gear, offering it every Tuesday throughout the summer. Kids and teens ages 5-17 are welcome to take our weekly build challenge and see their creations on display in the library. Either 2 – 4:30 pm or 5 – 6:30pm each week, check calendar for weekly times.
- Friday Library Programs – Each Friday throughout June and July, begin your adventure at the library with crafts, games, and activities for all ages. June 7 – July 26 from 10am – 12pm.
- Storytime (ages 2-5) – Thursdays at 10am (June 6, 13, 20, July 11, 18) – Join us for a lively interactive storytime featuring books, songs, rhymes, crafts and more! Storytime is intended for children ages 2-5 and their grown-ups.
- Youth Sewing Camp – Spools Out for the Summer (ages 9-13) – multiple sessions for summer 2024. Advance Registration is required.
- Take Home Craft Kits – Pick up a take-home craft kit each Monday at any Lakeland Library. New kits will be available each week and will be given out while supplies last.
- End-of-Summer Ice Cream Party – Say goodbye to the sweetness of summer with a sweet treat. Enjoy games, crafts, and ice cream at the library for all ages. August 3 from 2-4 pm
Jackson Branch Library
1700 N Florida Ave, Lakeland, FL 33805
Website / Facebook / (863) 834-4288
Kelly Branch Library – Lakeland
Storytime – Join us for a lively interactive storytime featuring books, songs, rhymes, crafts and more! Storytime is intended for children ages 2-5 and their grown-ups. June 4, 18, July 2, 16 from 10:15-10:45 am.
Kelly Branch Library – Lakeland
404 Imperial Boulevard, Lakeland, Florida 33803
Website / Facebook
Florida Air Museum
While this isn’t a library, the Florida Air Museum in Lakeland hosts an interactive storytime each week during the year and two days a week during the summer – Mondays OR Tuesdays from 10-11am! Each week they dive into interactive learning experiences and bring stories to life for our junior ACEs. Everyone is welcome, though the content is targeted towards our younger aviators, ages 2-5.
Florida Air Museum
4175 Medulla Rd, Lakeland, FL 33811
Website / Facebook
Bartow Public Library
Bartow Library Summer Shows – held at the Bartow Civic Center Auditorium, across the street from the library:
- Summer at the Library Kick Off Party – Friday, June 7 from 12-2pm
- Gatorland – Friday, June 14 at 10am
- Spheres Bubble Show – Wednesday, June 26 at 10am
- Menestrelli Dog Circus – Wednesday, July 10 at 10am
- Katie Adams Puppetry – Wednesday, July 17 at 10am
- Goodbye Summer Glow Party – Friday, July 26 from 12-2pm
Summer Music Series:
- June 15 at 2pm: Mark Kroos, guitar
- July 20 at 2pm: Robin Brooke, singer/songwriter
- July 25 at 6pm: Teen Talent Showcase
- August 17 at 2pm: Ashly Thomas, soprano
Summer Storytime beginning June 6, 2024:
- Ages 18 months – 2 years on Thursdays from 10 – 10:30 AM. Book Babies includes Nursery Rhymes, music, fingerplays and bubbles.
- Ages 3-5 on Thursdays at 11am. Stories, music, fingerplays, and short film adaptions of children’s books.
All Ages
- 6/13 Cupcake Decorating 1pm*
- 7/16 Pages for Change with the Peace River Center 2pm
Teens Get Crafting (Ages 11+)
- 6/20 Tie Dye & Bleach Party 2pm
- 7/18 UV Painting 2pm
Kids Get Crafting (Ages 6-10)
- June Take-Home Craft: DIY Kaleidoscope
- 7/17 Mindful Mandalas 3:30pm
Escape the Library!
- 6/22 For teens 13+ (Times to be announced)*
- 7/12 For families (Times to be announced)*
Family Movie Matinee (All Ages)
- 6/28 Disney Pixar’s Onward 1pm
- 7/19 The Mitchells vs. the Machines 1pm
Plus other single day programs throughout the summer. Check the Bartow Library website for information.
Bartow Public Library
2150 S. Broadway Ave., Bartow, FL 33830
Website / Facebook / 863-534-0131
Davenport – Polk County Library Cooperative
Check with the library for summer programs.
Peter Rust Civic Center
5 S Allapaha Ave, Davenport, FL 33837
Website
Dundee Public Library
Check with the library for summer programs.
Dundee Public Library
202 E. Main Street, Dundee, FL 33838
Website / 863-439-9424
Fort Meade Public Library
Join the Fort Meade Library for summer programs. Highlights include:
- Maker Mondays — Crafts – All Day Drop-In event for all ages
- Try It Out Tuesdays — 10:00 AM & 1:00 PM – alternating Tuesdays for Tabletop Games, Puzzles, and Coloring.
- Wednesdays — Books Bridge Bus from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
- Thrilling Thursdays — Chalk Art Contest, Animal Crossing Meet-Up, Storytime, Paper Airplane Making & Contest, I Spy at the Library, and our 2nd Annual Big Truck Day
- Family Friendly Film Fridays — 10:00 AM & 1:00 PM
Visit the Fort Meade Library Website or Facebook Page for a full calendar of events.
Fort Meade Public Library
75 East Broadway St., Fort Meade, FL 33841
Website / Facebook / 863 285-8287
Latt Maxcy Memorial Library – Frostproof
- Check with the library for summer programs.
Latt Maxcy Memorial Library
15 N. Magnolia Avenue, Frostproof, FL 33843
Facebook / (863) 635-7857
Haines City Public Library
- Preschool Storytime – Ages 2 – 5 | Wednesdays at 10:30 AM | Stories, songs, puppets and a craft. Limited space available. First Come/First Serve.
- Toddler Time – Thursdays at 10:30 AM | Preschoolers can enjoy some hands-on experiences with toddler friendly activities, games, and puzzles.
- Kids Game Night – Every other Tuesday from 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM | Play a variety of games in the Community Room of the Haines City Public Library. A few of the selections include board games, Among Us, Nintendo Switch games, and Minecraft!
- Lego Brick Club – Every other Tuesday from 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM | Bring your imagination to the table and build your own designs with our LEGO® Bricks. Your creations will be available for all to enjoy in our LEGO® display.
- Bilingual Family Time – Saturdays at 11:00 AM | Family games and bilingual songs, rhymes, crafts and stories. Juegos para toda la familia, canciones bilingues, manualidades y cuentos bilingues.
- Elementary Summer Programs – TBD
Other programs include Teen Movies and Teens Video Games, and more. Check the calendar for a full list of events.
**The Lake Eva Water Park in Haines City opens at noon – make a day of it and attend a library program then head to the pool.**
Haines City Public Library
111 North 6th Street, Haines City, FL 33844
Website / Facebook / 863-421-3633
Lake Alfred Public Library
Check with the Lake Alfred Library for summer programs.
Lake Alfred Public Library
245 N. Seminole Avenue, Lake Alfred, FL 33850
Website / 863-291-5378
Lake Wales Public Library
- The Lake Wales Library will host Summer Programs on Thursdays at 10:30am at Candlelight Christian Academy.
- June 6 – Foam Party Kickoff!
- June 13 – Gatorland
- June 20 – Orlando Youth Circus
- June 27 – Cheryl Floyd, Storyteller
- July 11 – Reactory Factory
- July 18 – Touch a Truck
- Wiggles + Giggles Storytime – Tuesdays at 11am
- Board Games + More – All Day Wednesday
- Teen Summer Programs – Thursdays at 1pm
Visit the Library’s Facebook Page for a full list of summer events including teen programming.
Lake Wales Public Library
290 Cypress Garden Lane, Lake Wales, FL 33853
Website / Facebook / (863) 678-4004
Mulberry Public Library
- Summer Programs – Join the Mulberry Library on Fridays at 10am for interactive, fun filled programs designed for elementary-age kids. Programs are held in the Mulberry Civic Center, located in the same building as the library. A description of each week’s activity can be found on the Mulberry Library calendar.
- June 7 – Snake Education with a Twist
- June 14 – Campfire Stories with Mr. Charles
- June 21 – The Missing Piece Theatre Company Sneak Peak of Newsies!
- June 28 – Snakes & Smores
- July 5 – Family Movie Day
- July 12 – Florida Animal Tracks and Evidence
- July 19 – Magic Suzy
- July 26 – Gatorland
- Summer Events for Tweens and Teens – Tuesdays at 10am and Wednesdays at 1:30 PM – see calendar for events
- Preschool Story Time – Every Wednesday at 9:30AM and 10:30 AM. Fun Stories, Songs, and More! Ages 5 and under. FREE Program, no registration required. Held in the Mulberry Civic Center upstairs from the library. (No Storytime June 19)
All events are first come, first served – no registration required but seating may be limited. The Mulberry Library also hosts activities for teens and tweens, Pokemon Club, and more, check the calendar for upcoming events and a July calendar.
Mulberry Public Library
905 NE 5th, Mulberry, FL 33860
Website / Facebook / 863-425-3246
Polk City Community Library
Join the Polk City Community Library for summer events and reading programs! Six weeks of awesome performers, movies, crafts, and activities.
- Summer Programs – Tuesdays from June 11 – July 16 (see schedule below)
- Free Summer Movies – Thursdays from June 13 – July 18
- End Of Summer Bash! – July 19 From 3:30pm – 4:30pm
- Please Register For Each Event On The Library’S Facebook Page, Registration Opens The Friday Before Each Event: Facebook.Com/Polkcitylibrary
EXTRAS:
- Take & Make Craft Kits are available every Monday between June 10th – July 15th, 2024
- Books Bridge Bus – Every MONDAY in June & July 3:15 – 4:15 @ the Polk City Community Library Parking Lot
(NO BUS THE WEEK OF THE 4TH OF JULY) - LEGO Club – Every Thursday from 3:30-4:30PM @ The Polk City Community Library
- Bookmark Design Contest: During the summer children can pick up a bookmark design contest form at the Polk City Community Library and design a library bookmark. This year’s theme is Adventure With the Library. Contest goes from June 10th – Friday, July 12th. Winners will be chosen and announced on our Facebook page! Their artwork will then be printed on bookmarks and given out at the library while supplies last!
Polk City Community Library
215 S. Bougainvillea Avenue, Polk City, FL 33868
Website / 863 984-4340
Winter Haven Public Library
- Little Sprouts Summer Storytime – Tuesdays at 10:30am and and Wednesdays at 9am and 10:30am. Be sure to register in advance on the Library website.
- LEGO Club – Tuesdays from 4-5pm – The library supplies the Lego blocks, you supply the imagination! Creations will be displayed during the following week in the Library Gallery. Ages 6-12
- Florida History and Science Events
Fridays @ 2PM – Geared towards ages 5 – 12
Registration is required and opens the week prior to the event at at whpl.libcal.com- June 7 Mermaid Meet-and-Greet
- June 14 Rocket Power
- June 21 Outrageous Oranges
- June 28 Pirate Buoyancy
- July 5 Amazing Aquifers
- July 12 Robot Racing
- July 19 Gooey Ghosts
- July 26 Ridiculous Reptiles
- Florida Movies for Ages 13 – 17 – Thursdays @ 3:30PM
- Visit the library calendar or FB Page for additional summer events.
Winter Haven Public Library
325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881
Website / Facebook / 863-291-5880
Library Programs by Date
TIP – Use the filter button to see events at a specific library. Use the arrow to see next month.
Please keep in mind that we may not have all library events listed on our calendar, check directly with your library for a full list of upcoming events.
Summer Fun Guide
Be sure to check out our Ultimate Guide to Summer Fun for Summer Camps, Things to Do Around Lakeland, Things to Do at Home, Open Playgrounds, Places to Play Outdoors, FREE Bowling, Swim Lessons, 4th of July Events, Reading programs, Online Camps, and much more!