I will pretty much always recommend a library. This particular one I wasn't in the library proper…read morewhile here. When you go in through the entrance there is a coffee shop on the left and then they have a used bookstore which was where we were headed. The actual library is through another set of doors to the right. We spent quite a bit of time in the bookstore going through the wide selection of used books they had available. I found one book on the racks they had out in front of it and then stumbled across three more I wanted while inside. All four of the books I bought happened to be Stephen King novels but they had a lot of other good choices. My kids picked up a couple of books for gifts as well while we were there. The people working the store were very friendly and helpful.

Well located! Nice place, organized and clean. People are very helpful. Great bookstore and cafe!read more

It's nicely organized and clean…read more Love the children's room, because it has lots of things for kids of all ages and activities throughout the week during summer months. Been there a few times and everyone that works there so far has been nice

After living in the area for almost a year, we finally made the trek here to sign up for a library…read morecard. Unfortunately, this is the closest library to us and it's in what seems like a very sketchy area. The building is very rundown, carpets are filthy, and restrooms are extremely dirty. The selection is bleak at best. We did like that there was a completely separate kids area but that was the only thing that we liked about this library. The staff didnt acknowledge us until we went up to the desk and even then, the guy wasn't the friendliest. We got a card but I don't see myself coming back to this location unless it's to renew the card and have access to Libby.

Cute little library I took my 6 year old granddaughter to, at her request. Turns out she already…read morehad an active account through Lake Alfred Elementary School. They do not issue library cards; I suppose that's a thing of the past (not sure if others do anymore). She picked out her five books (the max you can do) from the children's section and the checkout was simple. It is normally a two week turnaround, but the librarian added an extra week to give her extra time (which I don't think she'll actually need). She also asked, and applied, if I wanted a text message reminder 3 days before due day. That was/is a nice touch. The facility was clean, and quiet of course. We played a round of checkers before departing and I actually saw a couple of atlas type books I found interesting. I may have to swing in here solo and hang out to go through them.

LA Library is a good library for books, computers, DVD's and programs. The people that work there…read moreare very nice and helpful. They go out of their way to help you if you need to order something from the good size Polk County system. Love their decorations for every holiday, so cheerful! Love you guys!

The New River Branch Library is a great place to read, book a study room, and find a quiet,…read morepositive atmosphere. The library staff is so great! They're always happy to help and really accommodating. I love that they have events happening every week, it keeps the community connected. New River Branch Library also has a little garden and a butterfly garden! They're encouraging people to grow different fruits and veggies there. The New River Branch Library is a great place, it's a positive environment, and one can borrow books for two weeks with the library card!

I loved going to this library before the renos but I have not been back since they upgraded…read more Today was my first day back post-renovation. I didn't have time to assess all the new amenities but from what I see, I'm liking the upgrades. There is a dedicated room from children with computers and a few toys. The main area was rearranged and there are also other study rooms to utilize. There is a garden outside as well as an indoor hydroponic garden. I need to renew my library card to see what has changed with regard to the book loan process. See photo for current library hours.

I LOVE this library! My son is homeschooling, so we decided to get a library card for him. I saw…read morethat this location had a "children's room" which is perfect for sitting down and reading to your kids, studying the globes, using the computers they provide for educational programs and so much more, without having to worry about your kids being "too loud." We went to this location just for him, and enjoyed the entire visit! My son and I felt really safe because there was a deputy stationed at the entrance right when you walk in. We will be trying to visit once a week now that we've discovered this location! We would love to see more hands on educational material, (like the globes) because we don't own things like that at home, and it gave us an opportunity to learn about the different continents in 3D instead of flat on a map! Lastly, they had little free craft envelopes and we were able to grab one on our way out, which I thought was AWESOME! My son really enjoyed making his butterfly!

One of my favorite places near my home.  I am here every few days picking up or dropping off books…read moreand DVDs.  I was so happy when the county built this beautiful library in Seffner.   Close enough for me to ride my bike and a rack is provided near the door.  Inside there are three self checkout stations which make it very easy to get in and out quick.  Use the online system and you receive an email when your requested items are ready.  So convenient.  We pay for this service in our taxes and I don't understand why more people don't use the library.  I've been a library user since I was a child and encourage everyone to visit, check out a book, and READ!  Seffner friends of the library group holds quarterly sales of used books and wow you can get great deals.  Getting a library card is easy.  Just take a piece of mail with your address and your ID to the librarian and complete the form.

I visited with my daughter because we were in search of some Language Art books. There weren't any…read morebooks at this location but the online catalog stated that there were some slim pickings at other locations. I was kind of disappointed because of how archaic some of the materials were (i.e cds and dvds), but we had computer access if needed. On the bright side, the attendants at the counter were helpful. We walked away with nothing but maybe next time they'll have what we are looking for.

This library seem too be very busy starting with the beginning of the week and less busy by Friday…read more The place is not that big so it can get nosy when busy. It is a okay selection of media for a small local library. I normally go to get work and study done. There are only a few tables with outlets so expect to share a table if you need power. There seem to be some "down on their luck" people that make use of the facilities but they have never cause any problems and the library doesn't feel like "police state" in that context like some other nearby ones are like. Problem with the Hillsborough/Florida library system is that it censors access to information and website on the internet. I am not even talking about violent, sexual, or pornographic or illegal material. Just random informational sites or web services they don't like you visiting. Not exactly a free state for a state that proclaim it loves freedom.

I was searching for a place to take an online exam. I searched nearby and contacted Hillsborough…read moreCounty to identify a library that provides a quiet room for taking examinations. They informed me about C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Public Library. I went there an hour before my exam and explained my situation to the librarian. The librarian was understanding and provided me with a quiet room for taking the exam. The library has an amazing collection of books, and one can also purchase a membership to rent books. The library is clean and professionally maintained. I truly appreciate the management of the library for maintaining a professional atmosphere and providing a conducive environment for taking online exams.

It is beautiful inside, very modern. The tables had outlets in the middle so I didn't have to…read moresearch for a table near the wall. Printing was actually free, I think you get a max of 10 pages per day. The librarians were friendly and helpful. I haven't used library services in a while so it was nice that they were so patient with me and other people that I watched them help. To my surprise you can have snacks inside the library (covered drink containers and dry snacks). I will definitely consider visiting more often to work or study from here to change up my routine of being at home.

Lakeland's Lake Mirror Promenade, now known as the Frances Langford Promenade, was built as a part…read moreof the City Beautiful movement that swept the U.S. in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Running from from Lake Mirror Drive to Lemon Street, the promenade was the brainchild of Lakeland business leader Thomas J. Appleyard. The promenade was designed by Charles Wellford Leavitt, a student of the landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, who also designed New York City's Central Park and San Francisco's Golden State Park. The two-phase project was completed in 1928. The promenade has a beautiful balustrade with streetlamps around the half-mile perimeter of the small, oval-shaped Lake Mirror. On the west side, a large platform steps down to the water's edge and is guarded by two monumental Corinthian columns. A loggia with five arches, aligning with the end of East Main Street, is the central feature of a 540-foot-long retaining wall that is set against the tall lake bank. The promenade was a feat of engineering, as it was built into the lake. New banks were dug around the shore to create space from which water could be pumped and a wooden superstructure erected to support the concrete walkway. The original plans for the promenade included a tennis court, a new city hall, an auditorium, shuffle board, lawn bowling, and carpet golf, although many of these no longer exist. The design also included a large garden; but due to Florida's 1926 economic crash the plans had to be limited and it wasn't until 2000 when the long planned for garden of Lake Mirror, Hollis Garden was finally constructed. The garden was donated by Mark Hollis, a former president of Publix and his wife who donated one million dollars to the City of Lakeland for the garden. On January 27, 1983, the promenade was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. The promenade was dedicated to Lakeland native France's Langford (1913-2005) in 1946. Frances Langford was a popular singer, radio performer, and actress in the 1930's through the 1950's. She was also a boater and fisherwoman. Langford's first singing performance was staged in Lakeland. The classically-trained opera singer had a tonsillectomy in her teens, and she retrained her vocal style to the big band type of music that was popular at the time. Langford was discovered by Rudy Vallee while performing on a Tampa radio station. She worked on the radio with Vallee, Dick Powell, and Bob Hope. Her first film was Every Night at Eight (1935) which featured her singing I'm in the Mood for Love. Her other films included Yankee Doodle Dandy and The Glenn Miller Story. In 1955 she moved to Jensen Beach with her second husband. During WWII Frances Langford worked with the USO and traveled through North Africa and the South Pacific to visit injured GI's. She became known as the GI Nightingale. Her weekly newspaper column, "Purple Heart Diary," told of those visits and urged public support for injured soldiers. Of her time visiting the troops Langford said ""The greatest thing in my life was entertaining the troops." Langford's war-related papers can be found at the Institute on World War II at Florida State University. Today the Frances Langford Promenade offers stunning views of Lake Mirror, the surrounding parklands, and downtown Lakeland as you stroll along the walkway. I love the classic architecture juxtaposed against the modern city. The promenade is home to a number of picturesque gardens, fountains, and statues, including the iconic historic band shell that hosts various events throughout the year. The promenade is especially enchanting at sunrise and sunset, when the soft light reflects off the water and creates a peaceful ambiance. The Frances Langford Promenade is the ideal spot for anyone seeking natural beauty, history, and relaxation.

Is it pronounced promenAID or promenODD?…read more ANSWER: PromenAID.. unless you're a non-pizza crust eating boogee snob. Lake Mirror (I think it should be called Mirror Lake), is the lovely aquatic heart of Downtown Lakeland and the promenade offers and architectural centerpiece to view it from on high or at lakelevel. It's the meeting of human ordered architecture (arches, columns, and stone carved into geometric order) and once natural water feature. There are birds. A fountain. A view. Reflections. Gardens. A view of the Amtrak train station, fire station and former brew pub. All lovely. Historic. There are steps right down into the water. You can walk right in.. Or across the lake if you're Jesus. Dogs chasing birds. Quacking. A nice walk. Birdwatching. Thoughts about life and travel. What's for lunch? This is a great spot for pondering the meaning of it all.