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March 2020

You have access to the Lake Wales Public Library 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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A Land Remembered The Life & Times of Florida author, Patrick Smith

Floridians recognize the late, Patrick Smith as one of the finest writers our state has known. He was the Florida Man we are most proud of. Patrick Smith's titles include: The Seas That Mourn, Allapattah, Forever Island, The River is Home, Angel City, The Beginning, A White Deer & Other Stories and his most beloved, A Land Remembered. The Lake Wales Library Association will host A Land Remembered: The Life & Times of Patrick Smith, 6 p.m., Tuesday, March 10. Mr. Smith's son, Rick Smith, will present a moving tribute to his late father and his love of the great state of Florida. In partnership with the Lake Wales Arts Council, A Land Remembered: The Life & Times of Patrick Smith will be held at the Lake Wales Arts Center, 1099 State Road 60 East, Lake Wales. The program will be followed by a meet and greet with Rick Smith in the Michael Crews Gallery. RSVP or reservations are not required. Call 678-4004 or email library@lakewalesfl.gov for information.

Monthly Book Discussion Groups Tuesday, March 24 - 6 p.m. - LW Public Library's Night Owls Discussion - The Hamilton Affair by Elizabeth Cobbs Hoffman Thursday, March 26 - 11 a.m. - LW Public Library's Thursday Morning Discussion - A Man Called Ove by Fredrick Backman Wednesday, March 25 - 12 p.m. - LW History Museum's Non-Fiction Book Discussion - Becoming by Michelle Obama

March Lifelong Learning Classes Highlights

Lunch 'n Learn The Wonderful World of Wildflowers Thursday, March 12 12 - 1 p.m. Join us as Master Gardeners from UF/IFIS discuss Florida's wildflowers and how to cultivate them in your own yard, or container garden. Class is limited in size. A light lunch will be served. Registration is free, but required, registration lists will be checked at the door. Call 678-4004 or email library@lakewalesfl.gov to register. Sponsored by

Genealogy Workshop Using Census Records in Genealogy Research March 19 - 12 until 1:30 p.m. This class will be led by Preston Petermeir, Polk County History Center's Research & Genealogy Historian. RSVP at 863.678.4004, ext. 221, or email library@lakewalesfl.gov . Class held in Schoenoff Meeting Room Please RSVP for this free program by calling 678-4004, extension 221. Sponsored by

 Gale Courses - Free, online continuing education classes. Requires a Polk Co. Library Cooperative card. Register Here for over 300 classes.

March 2020 Yoga at the Library - Mondays & Wednesdays - 5:30 - 7 p.m. - Click here for details. Coloring for Adults - Wednesdays - 11:30 a.m - 1 p.m. - Free - Drop in program Needle Art Groups: Friday mornings - 9 a.m. Friday evenings - 5:30 p.m. Free - Drop in program, open to all Genealogy at the Library - 1st Friday of the Month - March 6 - 11:30 a.m. Free - Please bring your own laptops or tablets if available. Paper & More Paper Crafters - 2nd & 4th Tuesdays - March 10 & 24 - 10 a.m. Free, drop in, no registration required.

Help for you at the Lake Wales Public Library Wednesday, March 4, 2 p.m. - Grief Support Group - led by VITAS Healthcare Chaplin Friday, March 6, 1 until 4 p.m. - Blood Banks of Central Florida's Bloodmobile

Lake Wales History Museum's March Events Our 'sister' department, the Lake Wales History Museum's current exhibit will continue through March 14. Don't miss the opportunity to see nationally renowned exhibit from the National Constitution Center, Spirited: Prohibition in America. Lake Wales History Museum's History Bus Tour - March 7 - 10 a.m. - Registration is required, call 863.676.1759 for information. Florida Humanities Council Speakers Series - Old Florida Stories - March 12 - 6 p.m. - This program will be held in the City of Lake Wales' Administration Building, 201 West Central Avenue. New Exhibit - Infamy: December 7, 1941 - opens March 28 - from the National World War II Museum For information on upcoming programs call the LW History Museum, 863.676.1759. 

March Local Artist Gallery The Lake Wales Public Library's Local Artist Gallery will feature the works of Lake Wales Public Library and Lake Wales History Museum staff. Our staff is happy to show you our more 'creative' side. Over 30 pieces of art work will be displayed on the Local Artist Gallery wall and in the display cases in our front lobby. The Lake Wales Public Library and Lake Wales History Museum works will be on display beginning Tuesday, March 3 through March 31.

More Upcoming March Events and Learning Opportunities Tom Freeman's Florida - March 16 - 6 p.m. - in the Library's Main Lobby. Renowned Florida artist, Tom Freeman and his companion, Marcia Pennington, have released a book of Tom's paintings and poetry and Marcia's writing. The Lake Wales Library Association will host a book signing for Tom and Marcia. Books are available to purchase for $59 each, cash or check only. There are no RSVPs required for this event. Light snacks will be served Drop In and Learn to Knit Program - March 20 - 4:30 until 6:30 p.m. - In celebration of National Crafting Monday our Friday evening Knitting and Crochet group facilitator, Dawn Copple, will teach you to knit. All supplies will be provided. Ages 10 to 100 are welcome, if you're under age 16 an adult must accompany you. No RSVP or registration required. Drop In and Learn to Knit is located in the Schoenoff Meeting Room, lower level, east entrance. Parking in south parking lot is recommended. To Your Health - 3-part Lunch & Learn Series - March 30, April 13 & April 27 - 12 p.m. - The three classes will cover - healthy eating, smart shopping, get moving and re-thinking and re-purposing what you eat. Registration is required and class size is limited to 20. Call 678-4004 or email library@lakewalesfl.gov to register.

The Lake Wales Public Library no longer charges overdue fines on our materials. We have also forgiven existing fines on our materials. Help us spread this good news! Our services are open to all.

Mark Your Calendar for these upcoming community events March 21 - 6 p.m. - Lake Wales Live! - Concert under the stars in the park across the street from the Lake Wales Public Library's west entrance. Bring a chair, food trucks and Rotary on the Ridge's adult beverage booth. March performers include: 6 p.m. - Cory Greenway and 8 p.m. - The Autumn Brown Band. A wonderful way to spend an evening in beautiful downtown Lake Wales, while the weather allows. Contact LW Recreation Department for more information. April 4 - 4 p.m. - Creating Gift Baskets 101 - Learn to create beautiful gift baskets. All Supplies will be provided. This class is limted 15 pre-registered students. You must register by calling 678.4004 or email library@lakewalesfl.gov.

Lake Wales Public Library & Lake Wales History Museum's March Closing Friday, March 20 - 11:45 a.m. until 2 p.m. - City Employee Spring Luncheon

Call the Lake Wales Public Library or the Lake Wales History Museum to confirm programs and events are scheduled as have been posted. Library - 863.678.4004, extension 221 Museum - 863.676.1759.