No cookies or small snacks allowed, but people can paint and sand cosplay materials in the middle of the library unrelated to any library hosted event. Good for cosplaying prep I suppose, poor if you need a snack while studying and don't want to leave to do so. read more

The employees at this library are incredibly friendly and helpful. When we asked Nickie where a section of books could be found she not only walked back there with us, and helped us find the section, but then looked up a couple of books from that section, and told us what their status was, and when they were expected back, after which she showed us another section we were interested in. And when we went to the counter to have some photos from our phone printed, the lady there thoroughly explained how to use the phone app to get our photos print. Very pleased with the employees at this library. read more

This is a wonderful public library located on Lake Morton. It shares it's parking lot with the Polk County Art Museum, so it can be hard to find a parking space, but be patient, take your time, and you will find one. Getting here is a bit convoluted, but GPS works well navigating the old neighborhoods. The library is also located at a bus stop that is well used. This particular library branch has both a poor reputation and ratings, mainly due to the homeless, but I have never seen any while here - and I've spent a lot of time here since moving to Lakeland. This library is incredibly clean, including the bathrooms. The librarians who work here have been very polite and helpful. They have a fantastic inter-library loan system, like larger cities, so I've not had a problem acquiring books. The system is quite quick. They not only loan books, but dvds and music cds as well and have a large display of them inside. They have a large shelf in the front selling discarded books. They have a large section for children, down a beautiful mural covered hallway. I have not checked that out, but from the proliferation of young families coming here, it's quite popular. There are also conference rooms, and from following them on Facebook, they have a lot going on here. It's easy for me to spend time at this library. The coffee house, Black & Brew, has a satellite cafe here and the library has a gorgeous rose garden all around it. read more

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Good access to the Books enjoyed the atmosphere in the Library also the Videos. Teen Room is nice.

Went in for a mini solo study sesh and sat at the coffee shop right in the entrance. It was nice and quiet for me, I would recommend if you live in the area and need some down time. read more

It's a good library other than the children's area is a bummer. I've been told for years they're going to expand it, but all they have is books and some computers. No area for them to use their imagination or engage in anything creative. Whoever is working the children's desk that day feels like they are normal librarians that have to take their turn that day at the desk. Never engaging, often slipping away. read more

Beautiful place! Organized, clean! The view from the main room is fabulous!! There are so many options to do. Free Classes! You can read, use a computer, etc I would stay all day there. read more

Not sure if the library was so busy today because it is summertime or what, but the parking lot was packed! I was lucky to find a spot shortly after pulling in (10:15 am-ish). I agree with other reviewers, its book selection is minimal. Unless you know what you are looking for, the online card catalogue is hardly helpful. Wait lists for popular bestsellers can be well over 50 reservations. I've been twice to use the computers for job applications and resume tweaks. I like it better than CareerSource, but the internet can run a little slow at first and there are signs on each computer stating it can shut down at any time and all your information could be lost. If you get there early enough, you can get a computer, but it definitely is not a "quiet zone". The reference desk is right next to the area and the phone is always being answered. Crying kids in the lobby echo in the area. I was glad I had some headphones in my purse to drown out the noise. I'd be curious to stop in the coffee shop, it was also fairly full today too. In fairness, I was leaving around lunchtime. All in all, it is a cold indoor place, there are some books and movies, the internet works and you can print things (10 cents/page). It is acceptable. read more

It is a visually nice library, very busy. Conveniently located next to the Art Museum, Mr. Fish, and a beautiful lake of swans. But I struggle not to give this library lower than a 3. I found it unfriendly and barely useful. I needed a computer and a program the library purchases. The computer lab is next to the reference desk where the male clerk talked in full voice (did I say loud?) the entire 60 minute daily limit I was on computer. It was EXTREMELY difficult to complete my work. He was rude to many people and the lab was Grand Central for users in there to "play and hang-out" (and he wasn't rude to THEM). There was lots of commotion outside the library--teens loading into buses for day trips at one end and transients strolling the front sidewalk. Although I have used the library for twenty years, I'm not there a lot, so they purged my library card and treated me like a liar when I said I had one and it wasn't in there computer. (I even belonged when it used to cost $35 a year outside the city limits!) They have a nice meeting room for organizations. They have a lousy Florida history/geneaology room and collection and suggest you use the Bartow Library for that. Based on my experience, they will be purging my library card again, but my review does not provide fair experience with book check-out, regular interaction, etc--so use at your own risk! read more

Went to this library for first time June 9, 2018. Sign onto pc to do some important work. Taking a quick bathroom break I encountered a half naked man in bathroom shaving and bathing clothes all over 2 sinks. Couldn't wash my hands. Individual was playing loud music as well. When I returned to pc a street person was on pc and on my account. I asked her to please sign off my accounts. She proceeded to yell at me in library. Library staff just laughed it off and said to me this was just a typical Saturday. I packed up my items and will never visit this library ever again. read more

I am giving an updated review and bumping it up a star. They have now added a beautiful coffeeshop and raised seating area with gorgeous tables with Black 'n Brew coffees (iced and hot) and some snack items. Their friends of the Library wall now has some bagged mystery selections (1.50 for 10 books of various genres). Coupled with the view, the new coffeeshop and improved ambience, this library is now more enjoyable. read more

The Lakeland Public Library is a wonderful asset to our community. I have made use of their collections for nearly 23 years and will continue to do so. The main branch is the one I use the most; I have only been to the Larry Jackson branch a couple of times and I have not been to the southside branch. The staff is generally friendly and knowledgable. read more

Lakeland Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Lakeland, Florida

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I can't say much on this library but there's one librarian who I can't remember the name of who was very rude and kicked my girlfriend and stepson our due to our child being loud in the child's play area whilst other children were running around being very loud. Singles out a 2 year old for being loud one time after kids already woke him up from sleeping so not only did they not leave with any books but could not get books to read to my stepson before bed at night. This lady should lose her job and fuck off cause this is bull shit. read more

First time here last Saturday, it's across the parking lot from the Polk Museum of Art. Huge place with pop machine at entrance. Several desks with outlets for laptops and whatever. Well laid out open feeling to this library. Impressive reading area with glass window facing Lake Morton across the street. A pleasant place tor work or pleasure. read more

I sure do wish they would stock better book selections in circulation, but they do have a great used book sale.

Put a book on hold was number 5 in the que. They updated my email address to None, could have called me. Never notified when book became available. Now I'm back to number 5 in the que again will take 9 months to check out a book. Obviously a Government Operated Establishment, would never survive in the Private Sector however they don't have to it's Government. read more

This library could use a great deal of help in three areas. The first is customer service. The service you receive is often seen as flat out not caring. I have seen much better in other libraries in the Polk County area. The second area is in their selection of books and other materials. The third and final area is with the leadership of this library they really should take note from other libraries in Polk County to bring themselves up to par. read more