If you’re anything like us, then summer is one of your favorite reading seasons of the year. No weekend is complete without a cheesy romance novel (Amelia’s fave) or chilling thriller (Connor’s go-to) read from the comfort of a pool float.
Get ready to dive into summer with these reading recommendations:
- Lakeland Public Library, locations vary | This year’s summer reading program theme is “Destination: FLORIDA!” and each branch’s calendar is packed with activities. For the adults, discuss a different romance book each month at the new Sweet & Spicy Book Club.
- Pressed Books & Coffee, 213 E. Bay St. | Middle schoolers can fill up those reading logs together by discussing books each month. The store + coffee shop will also continue its adult book clubs over the summer with selections spanning romance, historical fiction, cooking, and flower arranging.
- Inklings Book Shoppe, 243 N. Florida Ave. | Kids in kindergarten through eighth grade can bring their favorite books to the store every first and third Wednesday for a discussion.
- Success by 6 Summer Read-a-thon | Track as many books as possible with your little reader during this 30-day challenge sponsored by United Way of Central Florida to enter grand prize giveaways. Pro tip: Be one of the first to sign up and get free pizza + Italian ice.
- Little Bus Books, 1047 E. Main St. | Once you’re finished with a read, pass it on by donating it to this mobile bookshop’s No Covers program, which provides gently used books to local nonprofits like Hope House, PACE Center for Girls, and the Rose Dynasty Foundation.
Looking to build your own reading list? Check out these 40+ books written by Lakeland authors.
Bonus: Don’t let your summer road trip stop you from hitting your reading goals. Peruse thousands of audio and eBooks on one of these free apps connected to the Polk County Library Cooperative.
