'It's not over yet': Lakeland Library reopens amid second phase of renovations

LAKELAND —  While the Main Branch of Lakeland Public Library reopened to the public last week, visitors will find some areas still remain blocked off. 

The first phase of the library's renovations has been finished and capped with the opening of the Lakeland History and Culture Center last Thursday. Resources  have been shifted around to make way for a second phase. 

"It's not over yet," City Librarian Lisa Lilyquist said. 

Visitors can't help but notice the space carved out on the right where there is a large mural reading "Many stories, one Community." The sizable artwork runs along the exterior of the cultural center at the heart of the library. 

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'Many stories, one community': Lakeland's History and Culture Center opened Thursday

The library's study rooms, tucked down a hallway between the check out desk and the center, have been updated with new lighting, furnishings and flooring. Lilyquist said each study room features a historic photo pulled from the library's archives, many depicting scenes from its early years. 

New lighting fixtures feature a diffuse honeycomb pattern of lights over the common seating area with floor-to-ceiling glass views of Lake Morton. The carpeting has been replaced and there's been a subtle realignment according to Lilyquist. While the fiction and non-fiction collections have remained in the same space, the shelves' orientation has changed intentionally by Lakeland architect Jon Kirk of Straughn Trout. 

"When you walk into a library [Kirk] wanted you to see the collection, not just the end panels," Lilyquist said. "That was his vision to showcase what we had available to the public."

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The second mural hangs near the fiction area. It's designed to look like subtle black and greyscale wallpaper that act as a word search with the famous author's names hidden among the letters. 

A temporary children's area has been set up on the south side of the commons. Lilyquist said this area will provide access to children's books, a few computers and tables for use when the second phase of construction begins later this month. 

The Youth Services area and Community Meeting rooms will be closed for approximately three to four months, according to Lilyquist, while the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems are replaced. 

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Plans call for the installation of a single-stall bathroom accessible to individuals with disabilities. Similar to the adult section of the library, the children and teens areas will have new flooring and lighting installed. 

There is approximately $150,000 set aside for capital improvements to the library in the city's tentative 2023 budget. 

Sara-Megan Walsh can be reached at swalsh@theledger.com or 863-802-7545. Follow on Twitter @SaraWalshFl.