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A pink, yellow, and blue little free library.

Find this Little Free Library at 999 Lake Hollingsworth Dr. | Photo by LALtoday

Sometimes they look like little homes with glass doors, other times they’re re-purposed newspaper stands or mailboxes. Whatever they look like, you’ve seen those tiny, painted boxes posted up in a front yard or outside of a business and filled to the brim with books, but what are they?

They’re called Little Free Libraries, and currently, there are dozens spread across the city providing Lakeland’s active and aspiring readers with access to books.

Today, we’re talking about these little bundles of good, including what they are, who they’re for, where to find one, and how you can become a Little Free host.

What they are

Little Free Libraries provide free, public access to books for those who might not have easy access to a public library, or those simply looking for a new read.

A three-tier little free library decorated with bees. — We’d bee lucky to buzz over to this spot for our next read.

Who they’re for

Well, that’s easy. They aim to serve children and their families to help further their education and support high school graduation rates, but they’re open to anyone and everyone.

Where to find them

The locations of the libraries can be found on this interactive map, but we wouldn’t be LALtoday if we didn’t give you some of our favorites.

📚 Nala’s Library | Charter #145346

We took to Instagram to ask our followers about their favorite Little Free Libraries, and @lisa.in_real_life shared some appreciation for this spot at 115 Patten Heights St.

📚 Lake Beulah FLW | Charter #119695

Inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s Coonley Playhouse, this colorful little library at 56 Lake Beulah Dr. is actually a re-purposed newspaper stand.

📚 Beehere Library | Charter #129491

Buzz on over to this three-story library at 402 Hancock St. to find your next read.

A little free library outside someone's home — Stop by Nala’s Library for your next book.

How to start one

To start a Little Free Library, you can build your own or buy one from the Little Free Library online store. Looking for design inspiration? Check out these designs — bonus points if you use a Lakeland legend like Blinky or the swans for your inspiration.

EVENTS

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Today

Molly’s Musicians Showcase @ Molly McHugh’s | Tue., Oct. 11 | 9 p.m. | Molly McHugh’s Irish Pub, 111 S Kentucky Ave, Lakeland | Free | Support local musicians at this free open mic night.
Storytime | Tue., Oct. 11 | 10-10:30 a.m. | Florida Air Museum, 4175 Medulla Rd., Lakeland | Free | Junior ACEs ages 2-5 can hear a story and take part in an interactive learning experience.

Wednesday

Open Mic at The Pink Piano | Wed., Oct. 12 | 8-11:30 p.m. | The Pink Piano, 1015 S Florida Ave, Lakeland | Free | Support local singers — or perform onstage yourself — at this open mic night.

Thursday

T-R-I-V-I-A | Thu., Oct. 13 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | The Joinery, 640 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free | Show what you know to win prizes while enjoying deals on beer, wine, and cocktails.
Just Between Friends Sale | Thu., Oct. 13 - Sun., Oct. 16 | 12-7 p.m. | RP Funding Center, 701 W Lime St, Lakeland | $2.00 | Shop this community-wide consignment sale for children’s clothing + gear — register online for free admission.

Friday

Swantoberfest 2022! | Fri., Oct. 14 - Sun., Oct. 16 | 12-10 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W Pine St, Lakeland | Free | Celebrate Oktoberfest season with Swan Brewing’s gold medal-winning beers, live music and food trucks.

Monday

After School Art | Mon., Oct. 17 | 4:30-5:30 p.m. | Polk Museum of Art | $5.00 | Parents and children can learn new creative skills with a new art lesson each week.
Lunch Pop-Ups at Catapult: Bandidas | Mon., Oct. 17 - Mon., Nov. 14 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Catapult, 502 E. Main St., Lakeland | From focaccia sandwiches to specialty pastries, enjoy a meal from Bandidas’ ever evolving menu at this fall lunch series.*

Plan Ahead

Launch Pitch Night | Thu., Oct. 20 | 5:30-8 p.m. | Catapult Lakeland, 502 E. Main Street, Lakeland | Free | See the five finalists at Lakeland’s version of Shark Tank pitch their business, answer questions from our judges, and try to secure the Launch Micro Grant.*

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Center for Independent Living in Central Florida

HEALTH

Celebrating what makes LAL healthcare great 🩺

Discover the good work our local healthcare professionals do for you and your loved ones. | Photo via Pexels

This week is National Healthcare Quality Week — a time to celebrate the sacrifice + hard work that healthcare professionals do everyday to keep us healthy. From mending broken bones and healing our loved ones to being there through life’s challenges and transitions, Lakeland healthcare professionals have our backs. 🩺

Check out what some local providers are doing to deliver excellent healthcare quality for all Lakelanders:

Content marked with a ^ is created by our Branded Content Studio — see more of their work + learn how they can create engaging paid content for your brand here.

NEWS NOTES

Weather

91º | Mostly cloudy | 20% chance of rain

Civic

If you haven’t registered to vote, the deadline is today, Tues., Oct. 11. To learn more about checking your voter registration status, eligibility requirements, and more, check out The Ledger’s guide. 🗳️ (The Ledger)

Community

Lilibet, one of Lakeland’s royal swans, was killed by bobcats at her Highland Village mobile home park home, along with 15 ducks. A trapper from All Creatures Wildlife Control captured one of them and plans to go back for the other. Both will be released in North Lakeland. (WFLA)

Lakelander

Kimberly E. Hernandez is taking on the operatic role of Santuzza in Mascagni’s opera "Cavalleria Rusticana” on Sat., Jan. 21. The mezzo-soprano will perform in Lakeland Symphony Orchestra’s production at Florida Southern College’s Branscomb Memorial Auditorium. Tickets can be found online. 🎶 (The Ledger)

Number

$50,000. That’s how much Polk County high school senior Payge Dupre has raised for college by selling livestock. Through a sponsorship from Kelley Buick GMC’s 20 Buck Truck raffle in Bartow, Payge purchased, bred, and sold livestock to invest in her education. (Bay News 9)

Cause

The Betsye Kay Finch Performing Arts Foundation is hosting its 2nd Annual Gala on Thurs., Oct. 20. Each $50 ticket helps the foundation raise funds for its yearly scholarship. Attend the event for live performances, hors d’oeuvres, and drinks. RSVPs are requested by Fri., Oct. 14. 🩰

Eat

We’re already hungry. Cob & Pen’s new fall menu is live. Stop by the South Florida Avenue establishment to give the new options — like the mushroom flatbread or Nashville hot pork chop sandwich — a try.
D’Artagnan is a farm-to-table pioneer, serving top chefs + home cooks nationwide since 1985. Their small farms provide a wide range of high-quality meat — think: duck, organic poultry, grass-fed beef, heritage pork + more. And because they offer overnight delivery, everything stays super fresh (and super delicious). 🥩 *

Biz

Here’s a reason to love Mondays. Take Heart (248 N. Kentucky Ave.) has extended its hours. Now, you can shop fair trade items on Mondays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wondering about fair trade? Check out our interview with the Take Heart Project’s founder, Delta Ryan.

Try This

Whether you’re interested in trying a sound bath, creating an air plant terrarium, or attending a concert under the stars, check out Bok Tower Gardens’ calendar of events. Pro tip: Most events include general admission into the gardens in the ticket price, so you can make a full day of it. 🌺

Seasonal

Calling all sweet tooths — it’s time for Truck or Treat. The free event hosted by the Lakeland fire + police departments takes place on Mon., Oct. 24 on Lake Mirror’s north and east bank and Fire Station 1. Costumes are encouraged, and prizes for first responder costumes will be given.
Create a literary jack-o-lantern for the Lakeland Public Library’s book pumpkin decorating contest. Kids 17 and under can decorate a craft pumpkin inspired by their favorite book. Online voting will open Sun., Oct. 23. 🎃

Asked

Speaking of trick-or-treating, we’re looking for Lakeland’s most festive neighborhoods during Halloween. Whether your street goes all out with decorations, hands out the best candy, or hosts haunted houses, tell us all about Lakeland’s top spots for trick-or-treating. 🍫

DYK

Did you know you can set up shop in our online retail store? We’re looking to support local brands in our LALtoday shop. We want to work with you. Send us an email to get started.

Trending

Fast-track those holiday shopping plans. For the first time, Amazon is hosting a second Prime Day with the Prime Early Access Sale running today, Oct. 11 and tomorrow, Oct. 12. Snag tech like earbuds or kitchen appliances at Black Friday prices — 45 days in advance.*

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Eat

Bubble tea, charcuterie, and pizza 🧋

Hana Tea House is coming soon | Photo by LALtoday

It’s a good time to be a foodie in Lakeland, Florida. Lately, it feels like we hear about a new eatery popping up every day — and we’re not complaining. Here are a few we’re watching:

Hana Tea House | 4525 S. Florida Ave., Ste. 7
We haven’t seen much online about this bubble tea + fresh smoothie spot coming to Alamo Plaza, but the sign alone has us excited. Do you have the inside scoop? Let us know.

J Burns’ Pizza | 5615 S. Florida Ave., Ste. 101
Signage is up and the interior is undergoing construction on J Burns’ third Polk County location. We’re ready for those classic pies, gluten-free options, and sub sandwiches.

Sabrina’s Delicacies | 4610 Cleveland Heights Blvd.
This formerly mobile-only biz is bringing its charcuterie boards to a brick-and-mortar shop near Tea Largo. The best part? You’ll still be able to enjoy grab-and-go boards in addition to dine-in seating.

6 MORE NEW SPOTS

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Rilee.

Editor’s pick: Speaking of new eateries, have you tried Sorrel Bistro yet? The new brunch spot in Lakeside Village recently opened at 1560 Town Center Dr. Stop by for Caribbean-inspired pancakes, omelets, and more.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? We got festive with seven local corn mazes and pumpkin patches, here.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Rilee Delgado, Connor Keith, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Kaylee Holland, Ashlea Hearn, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Kailey Burke | Advertise with us.

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