Lakeland Library Main Branch To Reopen After Months Of Construction

LAKELAND, FL — Following months of construction, the Lakeland Public Library Main Branch on Lake Morton Drive will reopen Tuesday, Sept. 6, but not before the library shuts down completely this week.

The library will be closed through Monday, Sept. 5, leading up to the reopening. During the closure, crews will move collections, furniture and equipment to ensure the library is set and ready to serve residents.

The book drop will remain open for returns. The Larry R. Jackson Branch Library and the eLibrary will be open normal hours that week.

Phase One of the library reconstruction project includes a new heating and air-conditioning system, ceilings, lighting, flooring, paint, furniture, a new collection layout and the addition of the exhibit room for the History and Culture Center.

The Lakeland History and Culture Center is a dedicated exhibit and research space that will share inclusive stories of Lakeland's culturally diverse history.

The vision for the center dates back three years when City Commissioner Phillip Walker, supported by community leaders, proposed an exhibit center spotlighting the stories and history of Lakeland.

The center will offer more than 1,400 square feet of exhibit space that will tell the “Lakeland Story.”

Its presentations will highlight the range of contributions from the many cultures and
ethnicities that built and developed Lakeland.

The city commission appropriated $300,000 to start the construction and then sought donations for display cases, technology and modular walls, as well as money to create content and exhibits.

“We are very excited to serve our many customers in this new space and we will soon have our History and Cultural Center open for the public as well," Lisa Lilyquist, city librarian, said. "The project took a little longer than expected but the finished product will be worth the wait. Even though we are waiting on some of our exhibit materials for the History and Culture Center, the history room will open for the public on Sept. 6."

In the history room, trained staff will be available to assist visitors with their search for Lakeland history and genealogical inquiries.

The collection in the history room will include yearbooks, directories, maps, genealogical materials, old property plans, artifacts, photographs and personal materials from local leaders and pioneers.

It will also include a do-it-yourself digitize space so visitors can reformat older analog materials like videotapes, cassette tapes and photographs into newer digital formats.

Phase Two of the Main Library construction is slated to start in late September and will close the youth services area and the meeting room for major renovations.

The second phase is scheduled to take approximately three months to complete. Construction will include the replacement of the heating and air-conditioning system in the youth services and meeting room spaces, the addition of an American with Disabilities Act single-stall restroom off the lobby, new ceiling, lighting, flooring, paint and some furniture updates.