There’s so much more to explore at Lakeland’s three library branches. | Photo by LALtoday
Having fun isn’t hard when you have a library card — especially here in Lakeland where it comes with so many perks. How many of these features did you know were offered by the Lakeland Public Library?
Vending machines
Grab some brain food by visiting a book vending machine at Lakeland City Hall — it’s as easy as picking a snack.
Seed library
Show those (book)worms in your garden some love by heading to the library service desk and getting up to three packets of seeds to grow everything from vegetables to wildflowers.
Orange you glad you know about the History & Culture Center now?
Photo by LALtoday
Lakeland History & Culture Center
If you’ve been reading LALtoday for a while, hopefully you knew about this one. Head to the Main Branch to browse this center packed with interactive exhibits about local history. The current theme is worth the squeeze.
eResources
Check out the ebooks, audiobooks, newspapers, and magazines the library offers — no, really, you can check them out to browse on your devices. We’re always stocking our Kindles with ebooks, and you don’t even have to leave home to return them.
The fun goes beyond the library walls when you pick up a Culture Pass.
Culture Pass
Each library location has one Culture Pass available each day. Be the first to check one out and get free, same-day admission for up to five people to the Florida Children’s Museum at Bonnet Springs Park.
There’s plenty more to love about Lakeland’s libraries, so plan a visit to one of its three branches to see what’s available. Did we miss a feature you love? Let us know so we can bookmark it for later.
Events
Events
Monday, March 10
Polk State Humanities Speaker Series | 2 p.m. | Winter Haven Fine Arts Theatre, Winter Haven | Free | Local professors Erica Bernheim, John Barberet, and Andrew Coombs will host a panel on the representation of money in the arts.
Tuesday, March 11
Brew Crew + Music Bingo | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | Swan Brewing | Free+ | Join the Lakeland Runners Club for a pub run before playing live music bingo with S.G. Wood.
Wednesday, March 12
Zumba with Liv | 7-8 p.m. | Stage Room Lakeland | $5+ | This medium-intensity class is part dance party, part fitness, and all fun.
Thursday, March 13
Around the World in a Day | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Medulla Resource Center | Free | Older adults will explore iconic landmarks, diverse cultures, and global traditions — no passport required.
Friday, March 14
Health Fair | 12-3 p.m. | First Presbyterian Church of Lakeland | Free | The Alzheimer’s Association will share about Alzheimer’s warning signs, healthy brain habits, and advancements in research.
It was nice while it lasted. Avelo is canceling its flights from LAL to Manchester, NH beyond Monday, April 28 due to low passenger counts. If you’re still hoping to travel up north, try Rochester, NY — and order a garbage plate in our stead. (LkldNow)
Coming Soon
The Lake Miriam Publix will reopen soon with a larger building, fresh look, and even more in-store features. Head to the deli for burrito bowls, pizza hot out of the oven, and a Pours station to grab a drink while you shop, similar to those at the former GreenWise Market. (LkldNow)
Mansion Monday
New construction on Lake Hollingsworth is hard to come by, but four townhomes are coming soon. We’re loving the three-story home planned for the right side with an open concept and a rooftop terrace, perfect for watching the sun set over the lake. Get a sneak peek.
Outdoors
Cow Creek Farm will release tickets tonight for its next round of tours where you can get close to fluffy Scottish Highland cattle. Be ready to book right at 7 p.m. for select weekend dates in April, because these popular tours usually sell out in minutes.
Edu
Celebrate 35 years of Harrison School for the Arts at the Celebration of Arts and Impact gala on Saturday, April 12. The event will take place at Winter Haven’s Historic Ritz Theater and feature entertainment by performers Quentin Darrington, Elizabeth Burton Lyons, and Lindsey Alley.
Watch
The cat room at Kitty Cat Lounge will transform into a movie theater twice this month with a showing of “Jurassic Park” on Saturday, March 22 and “Wicked” on Saturday, March 29. Spots are limited to enjoy the films with unlimited popcorn + cat cuddles.
Coming Soon
Lakeland’s Access Church will open a third location in Bartow in the former Bartow First Assembly of God building. The new church will open on Sunday, March 30 with services at 9:30 and 11 a.m.
Try This
Sir Henry’s is making spring a little scarier with its new event, Sir Henry’s Haunted Ghost Town & BBQ. Prepare for western-inspired trails, barbecue vendors, and a new show planned for the common area — tickets go on sale this week.
Job
Do you have a passion for all things Northern Virginia, a knack for storytelling, and a drive to engage readers? We’re hiring a creative and dynamic Newsletter Editor to join our team at NOVAtoday and craft daily, hyper-local content. We’ve got the perks just for you: competitive salary, 401K with company match of 4%, and so much more. Apply now.
Category
Seasonal
🎶 We are the champions, my friends
When you want the best, go for these bracket winners. | Photos by Gillian Fazio, LALtoday, and @newmoonsushi
It’s acceptable to get mad in March as the NCAA basketball tournaments heat up. With no Lakeland teams on the brackets, we’ve turned to our readers to choose their local winners instead.
Mural winner: Orange mural by Gillian Fazio
In 2022, readers chose these bright blossoms as their favorite backdrop. Find this piece on the south wall of the former Yard on Mass building.
Pizza winner: Palace Pizza
Things got saucy in 2023. You couldn’t resist a slice of this downtown parlor, and neither could we — we celebrated its win with garlic knots.
Sushi winner: New Moon Sushi You sashimi in a crown. The votes kept rolling in that year as readers chose their top sushi restaurant, opting for this casual south Lakeland spot.
Coffee winner: Andrew’s Coffee
Now this was a hard choice. In 2024, you voted for this shop with a speedy drive-thru, endless customizations, and, our favorite part, gummy worms on the side.
The Buy
The Buy
A pair of posh kitten heels. They feature textured suede fabric, a chic pointed toe silhouette, and an adjustable ankle strap for added stability.
Does it feel like we’re in your inbox extra early this morning following the time change? I’ll be catching up on that lost hour of sleep for the next few weeks, but these fun activities you can do in 60 minutes always help me feel like less of a zombie.
Answered
Answered
Does paying for parking impact your LAL travel plans?
Parking at Lakeland International Airport will come at a price this summer. If you’re one of the 78% who will still travel from LAL, check out our airport guide. If you’re in the 19% that said you’re not planning to fly as much, a road trip might be right up your alley.
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