The Lakeland Public Library system is leaning heavily into prehistoric fun for its 2026 summer programming, creating a “Jurassic Polk” experience that stretches across generations. Running from June 1st through July 24th, the lineup features distinct paths for kids, teens, and adults.
Here is a breakdown of the headline events and clubs kicking off this season at the Main Library and the Larry R. Jackson Branch.
🦖 For Kids & Families: Hands-On & High Energy
The children’s program, themed “Reading Roars!”, pairs weekly reading goals and prizes with high-energy interactive events. No registration is required for these kid-centric programs.
- Dino Fridays (Main Library): Every select Friday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, kids ages 5–13 can dive into themed crafts and projects. Upcoming highlights include Cool Carnivores (June 12) and Prehistoric Gliders (June 26). (Note: Take-home kits are available on weeks when the library closes for holidays, like June 19).
- Monday Fun Days (Jackson Branch): Running select Mondays from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM for ages 5–13, featuring messy, hands-on activities like Herbivores & Gliders (June 15) and Volcanoes & Asteroids (June 29).
- Reptile Discovery! (Main Library): On Tuesday, June 16 at 4:30 PM, reptile expert Bruce Shwedick hosts an all-ages presentation featuring live turtles, an alligator, a crocodile, snakes, and lizards to bridge the gap between dinosaurs and modern reptiles.
- Dino Playtime (Jackson Branch): Fridays at 2:00 PM, a dedicated sensory playtime designed for toddlers (ages 0–5) to support motor skill and social-emotional development.
- T-Rex Tea Party (Jackson Branch): Saturday, July 11 at 10:00 AM, a dinosaur-themed story, craft, and snack time for kids ages 3–8 (dressing up is encouraged).
🎬 For Teens & Adults: “Summer at the Museum”
The teen and adult track shifts the focus to a gallery-style journey exploring eras from “Deep Time” to the modern edge of tomorrow. Participants can earn raffle entries for high-value grand prizes, including a year-long family membership to the Orlando Science Center or a sponsor membership to The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art.
Cinema-Saurus Movie Club
Hosted in the Main Library Meeting Room at 4:00 PM. It is open to all ages, though kids 13 and under require an adult.
- June 11: Jurassic Park (1993)
- July 9: The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997)
Dinosaurs & Discussions Book Club
A dedicated summer reading discussion series for adults (18+), diving into the sci-fi thrillers that started it all. Discussions meet at 5:30 PM at the Main Library:
- June 25: Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton
- July 23: The Lost World by Michael Crichton
🗺️ How the Reading Challenges Work
To keep local readers engaged throughout the hot summer months, the library is utilizing simple tracking logs and regional partnerships:
| Group | Challenge Structure | Rewards |
| Kids (0–12) | Track days spent reading each week on a physical log. | Weekly stickers and prizes at any library desk. |
| Reading with the Rays | Complete a baseball-themed tracking sheet by “rounding the bases” with reading hours. | Tampa Bay Rays-themed merchandise and prizes. |
| Teens & Adults (13+) | Read books matching weekly historical/scientific themes or titles from personal reading lists. | Entry tickets for the grand prize museum baskets. |
Reading logs, event schedules, and local “Jurassic Polk” adventure maps can be picked up at the Lakeland Public Library, the Larry R. Jackson Branch, or the Kelly Branch Library.