The Lake Wales Public Library

One of the many crown jewels in Lake Wales is our wonderful public library. Located a pleasant walk from our quaint downtown, and with a beautiful view of picturesque Crystal Lake, the Lake Wales Public Library exceeds all standards of exemplary service established by the State Library of Florida and the Florida Library Association.

In short, our library provides services that one would not expect for a town our size.

Our library is a member of the Polk County Library Cooperative, which is comprised of 18 independent municipal libraries and two special libraries. The Polk County Library Cooperative is open to all citizens, both residents and non-residents alike. A library membership in the Polk County Library Cooperative also entitles you to the free use of libraries in Orange, Lake, Osceola, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Sarasota, Manatee, Hardee, Highlands, Citrus, DeSoto, Hernando, Pasco and Okeechobee counties.

The mission of the library is to provide informational, educational, and recreational services to the citizens, organizations and businesses of our community, striving to supply desired services as rapidly, efficiently, and courteously as possible, always recognizing that information is the foundation of an enlightened community. The history of our library, the many services, and what the future holds, are worth exploring.

History

The Lake Wales Public Library has served our community since 1919. The original community library was a project of the Lake Wales Woman’s Club. After outgrowing the few shelves in the clubhouse, the library moved to the Dixie Walesbilt Hotel (the Grand Hotel) downtown, and then moved to a room in City Hall.

In 1957 a group of citizens formed the Lake Wales Library Association/Friends of the Library to raise capital to build a public library. The first public library was erected at its present location in 1960, and was expanded in 1991. The Library Association also encouraged the City of Lake Wales to create a new city department: Library Services.

Library Services

Today the Lake Wales Public Library houses:

• Over 73,000 books, available for up to six-week checkout.


• Over 3,300 videotapes and DVD’s, available for two-week checkout.


• Over 2,200 music CD’s, available for up to six-week checkout.


• Over 2,300 audio books, available for up to six-week checkout.


• A complete Spanish collection, including books, audio books, magazines, movies, children’s books and instructional aids for individuals learning English or Spanish as a second language.


• Ten public access Internet stations. Half-hour time blocks are available with a library card.


• A 15-minute e-mail station.


• Wireless Internet access for library patrons who bring their own laptop – no charge. A library printer is available for a charge;


• Telephone reference questions are answered at 678-4004, ext. 5.


• A new service offered called B-Mail. B-Mail delivers books and library materials free of charge to the address on your library card! The Polk County Library Cooperative is one of only three library systems in Florida to offer this service. For more information call 679-4441.


• The Schoenoff Meeting Room, located on the lower level, is one of the City’s public meeting rooms. It can accommodate 65 people. Some charges may apply.


• Ye Olde Book Shoppe offers used books at reasonable prices. It is located just inside the entrance to the library and is open during regular library hours.

The library also has an active calendar of events including author presentations, book discussion groups, classes including French and yoga, and daily programs for children and teens.

All of these services are provided by a full and part time staff of 18 dedicated people, including five who hold a Masters Degree in Library and Information Science.

The Future

Long time librarian Tina Peak and the library staff continue to develop new programs and are always open to suggestions. Tina is also working with the library board to plan for the time when another expansion of the library will become necessary.

Additional library information is available on the City’s website at www.cityoflakewales.com/library or by calling 678-4004.

We are blessed to have such a wonderful resource in our town. It is truly one of our many crown jewels!