October 2020
You have access to the Lake Wales Public Library 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Library Planning Reopening
The Lake Wales Public Library is on track to reopen to the public Monday, November 2.

In preparation for opening we have listed details for the initial resumption of public service. We've become familiar with 'phased' openings, we consider this our Phase One stage.

Library Hours beginning November 2
Monday, Tuesday & Thursday – 9 a.m. until 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday & Friday – 9 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.
Saturday – 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.

What services will or will not be available?
  • Patrons will be allowed to browse and select materials. Staff recommends that visits last for 30 minutes, and it’s suggested that visits are once a day.

  • Seating at tables, studying or tutoring will not be allowed during the initial reopening. 

  • Copying and printing services will be available. Customers may use the copier/printer independently. If staff is required to provide assistance patron will be required to move away from the copier/printer while staff assists.

  • Faxing services will be provided. Customers will provide the fax number and documents. Staff will fax for the customer.

  • All applicable charges for faxing, printing or copying are in effect

Public Access Computers
  • There will be three Public Access stations open to the public allowing for safe distancing at the computers. 

  • It is recommended that computer users call ahead for an appointment. Walk-ins will be able to reserve a computer without calling ahead however, there will be no seating available while waiting for a computer.

  • Computer users will be allowed 30 minutes, one time per day, during initial reopening.

  • If staff is required to provide assistance the computer user will be required to move away from the public access computers while staff assists

  • Computers and workstations will be cleaned between each usage in compliance with CDC guidelines.

Children’s Library
  • The Children’s entrance, (library's west entrance), will be available to children and their parents or caregivers only. This entrance will not be a pass through for anyone not accompanying a child. No child will be allowed to remain in the Children’s Library without a caregiver present. 

  • Public computers, iPads and tablets will not be available in the Children’s Room during the initial reopening.


Face Covering
  • Face coverings are required for everyone entering the library, and must cover the nose and mouth for the duration of the visit. Masks will be available in the library, at no charge. The Lake Wales Public Library is a department of the City of Lake Wales, and therefore will comply with City Ordinance 2020-15 within this city property. For information on the City of Lake Wales’ Face Covering Ordinance, 2020-15 visit City of Lake Wales Face Covering Ordinance

Furniture and Do Not Enter areas
  • Chairs, comfortable seating and study tables will be moved to the library’s Quiet Study area for temporary storage. The Quiet Study area is closed to the public.

  • The Lake Wales Public Library’s downstairs offices, Schoenoff Meeting Room and downstairs restrooms are closed to the public. 

Public programs, events and classes
  • All in-person programs, events and classes within the library have been cancelled until further notice. 

  • The Library’s Schoenoff Meeting Room is not available for rental or usage by outside groups, until further notice.

Holds
  • The Lake Wales Public Library has provided door side holds pick up during our closure. We will continue this service to patrons who wish to remain outside the library. Patrons will call when arriving and holds will be placed on a cart outside the library’s main entrance. The service will be available when weather permits.

  • The Lake Wales Public Library will provide outdoor holds lockers. This system will allow customer’s holds to be retrieved safely, 7 days a week. The lockers will be located at the library’s front entrance. Patrons may use this service by placing their holds online and selecting Lake Wales Lockers as the pick-up location. 

  • Customers may pick up their holds at the library's main desk.

Cleaning Protocols
  • The library will follow all CDC recommendations for cleaning and disinfecting facilities, cleaning all high touch and high traffic areas every two hours.









The Lake Wales Public Library and Lake Wales History Museum's monthly book discussions have moved to live virtual platforms. Contact the library or museum to request an invitation to join the discussion.
Tuesday, October 27, 6 p.m. Night Owls Book Discussion - The Man Who Loved Books Too Much by Allison Hoover Bartlett (Call 678-4004, ext. 223 or email library@lakewalesfl.gov for an invitation to join.)

Wednesday, October 28, 12 p.m. History Book Discussion - The Wright Brothers by David McCullough (Call 676-1759, or email Lake Wales History Museum for an invitation to join.)


The Lake Wales Public Library Now Offers Two Online Learning Options for Adults
The Lake Wales Public Library has added a second online learning component to our Digital Content. The newest addition is Gale Presents: Udemy. Long known as a subscription service, Udemy has thousands of single-class training options. Gale Presents: Udemy is a curated selection of classes from Udemy for adult learners, and there's no subscription fee.

Gale Courses has been a staple on our website. Gale Courses provides free access to classes that are offered through colleges and universities. Gale Courses is an instructor-led, 6-week series of classes for the adult learner. Over 300 classes are accessible with your library card.

Visit Digital Resources on the Lake Wales Public Library's website. These two online learning tools are made possible by the Lake Wales Library Association's Dell Bullard Trust.
Polk County Library Cooperative's New Mobile App
The Polk County Library Cooperative has rolled out a new mobile app. Manage your library holds, checkouts and returns from your mobile device.

Available at no charge at the PlayStore or Apple Store, search for Polk County Library Cooperative and download. If you need your library card number or PIN number, call us at 863.678.4004, ext. 0 and we can help!
Garden Lane Pass Program

Bok Tower Gardens and the Lake Wales Library Association have partnered to create a unique program that allows library patrons to check out passes to Bok Tower Gardens for up to four adults and up to six children.

The Garden Lane Pass provides a one week gate pass to adult card holders, in good standing. Restrictions on some services apply.

Passes can be placed on hold through the Polk County Library Cooperative’s reserve system. Log into your account and search Bok Tower Gardens Pass.

The Garden Lane Pass must be picked up and returned at the Lake Wales Public Library. The Garden Lane Pass cannot be sent to other PCLC locations. 

For details on additional discounts, or restrictions that apply to the Garden Lane Pass call 863.678.4004 or email library@lakewalesfl.gov.
Library Intelligent Locker System Coming to LW Public Library in October
By the end of October the Lake Wales Public Library will provide a safe, reliable way to pick up your holds 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Utilizing Library Impact Fees, the LW City Commission approved the purchase of intelligent lockers for library customers.

A new option for Pick Up Location will be created in the system called Lake Wales Lockers. Once items have been placed in the locker the patron will be notified via text or email.

We are excited to provide this new technology for our customers.
Creating Gift Baskets 2.0 Class

Library staff member, Amy Lindblade, has developed an online library craft class, Creating Gift Baskets.

The class is available on our LWPL YouTube Channel, at Creating Gift Baskets 2.0.

Amy has developed kits that we are providing free of charge. Call to request a kit, available while supply lasts, 863.678.4004, ext. 0, during our hours of operation.

You must be able to pick up the kits via our door side pick-up. The kits are available while supplies last. Amy's two instructional videos will remain on our YouTube Channel indefinitely. Watch at your convenience.

This virtual crafting class is made possible through sponsorship from Florida's Natural Growers Foundation.
Join the Lake Wales Library Association

In 1954 a forward thinking group of Lake Waleans joined together to support publicly funded library services for our community.

In the 60+ years since the LW Library Association continues to support the efforts of our library.

Consider a membership in the Lake Wales Library Association. 100% of donations and memberships support our library.

Visit the LW Library Association's website to join. Their End of the Year Giving letter will be on the way this week. Consider a donation.

Call the Lake Wales Public Library, 863.678.4004, or the Lake Wales History Museum, 863.676.1759 with questions.