Bartow Public Library

Bartow Public Library Originally founded in 1897, the early reading room became a Carnegie Grant library in 1915.
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Our latest library, built 1998, has become a popular center of activity in the community with art displays, crafts exhibits, family programs, and more!

06/12/2026

Introducing a new video series - Tales of the Town: Bartow Library's America 250 Tribute!

In recognition of all the American history being celebrated this year, Bartow Library is looking back at Bartow's history, with help from Lloyd Harris, Bartow native and local historian. Every Friday for eight weeks we'll be sharing people, places, and moments from our city's past, starting downtown with the Civic Plaza. Stay tuned for more tales of our town!

Join us at the Bartow Civic Center for Dino Academy: The Musical! It's a prehistoric adventure featuring lifelike, colo...
06/12/2026

Join us at the Bartow Civic Center for Dino Academy: The Musical! It's a prehistoric adventure featuring lifelike, colorful dinosaur puppets that stomp, roar and charm their way into every heart. This program is presented by Bright Star Touring Theatre.

Doors open for our Super Summer Shows 15 minutes before the performance. All ages are welcome!

Our Songs and Stories kids got a special surprise today: a visit from Surprise Dinosaur and Jurassic Jeep 45 after story...
06/11/2026

Our Songs and Stories kids got a special surprise today: a visit from Surprise Dinosaur and Jurassic Jeep 45 after storytime! Each week during the summer, our Songs and Stories program will be followed by a "mini-touch-a-truck" and a chance for kids to see a different community vehicle.

It was a ROARing good time! Special thanks to Jurassic Jeep 45 for the opportunity to make today so special!

We're searching for volunteers (ages 18+) to participate in our Human Library! The Human Library program strives to hel...
06/10/2026

We're searching for volunteers (ages 18+) to participate in our Human Library! The Human Library program strives to help build community connections and allow community members to share their own stories. If you have a unique story to tell about your life, and want to share it with patrons of all ages, please call us at 863-534-0131 for more information and to register as a "living book."

06/09/2026

New books for adults at the library! Unbox our latest box of goodies with us

Are you interested in learning about the past? We have partnered with the Florida Public Archaeology Network to demonst...
06/08/2026

Are you interested in learning about the past? We have partnered with the Florida Public Archaeology Network to demonstrate pyrotechnology, the science of cooking before pottery! Kids will examine artifacts, learn about the scientific method, and help conduct a pyrotechnology experiment. Registration is not required, and this program is intended for children ages 5-12 (with an adult).

We're looking forward to a great week of programs at the library! Please note: if a program has an asterisk (*), we ask ...
06/07/2026

We're looking forward to a great week of programs at the library! Please note: if a program has an asterisk (*), we ask that you call us at 863-534-0131 to register. We can't wait to see you at the library!

Here are the winning designs from our summer bookmark design contest! 🎨🎉Congratulations to our winners! We received many...
06/06/2026

Here are the winning designs from our summer bookmark design contest! 🎨🎉

Congratulations to our winners! We received many beautiful designs and were so impressed by the creativity and imagination we saw. These bookmarks - and a couple others - will be available at the library starting this Wednesday.

Want to learn more about your family history? Come learn Genealogy Basics at the library Saturday, June 20th at 1pm. Led...
06/05/2026

Want to learn more about your family history? Come learn Genealogy Basics at the library Saturday, June 20th at 1pm. Led by Research and Genealogy Historian Shannon Graham, this class will show you the basic steps - like organizing family records, where to look for information, and navigating online genealogy databases. Start your family history journey at the library!

Ages 16+, call 863-534-0131 to register

🦖 Unleash your imagination at the Bartow Public Library!🦕The incredibly talented library professionals have transformed ...
06/05/2026

🦖 Unleash your imagination at the Bartow Public Library!🦕The incredibly talented library professionals have transformed the library into a prehistoric wonderland for our "Jurassic Polk" summer reading theme! We adore the creativity and imagination that went into building the dinosaur props. The coolest part? Most of everything you see was created using everyday household items you can find right in your own home! 📦🎨 Discover the "Unearth Your Story" display at Bartow Public Library.📚 And be sure to check out summer reading enrichment programs at all our local branches.💡 Get inspired to create your own masterpieces at home.🎉 Have fun learning and exploring all summer long! https://www.mypclc.org/client/en_US/pclc/?rm=SUMMER+READING0%7C%7C%7C1%7C%7C%7C0%7C%7C%7Ctrue

Address

2150 S Broadway Avenue
Bartow, FL
33830

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 8pm
Tuesday 9am - 8pm
Wednesday 9am - 8pm
Thursday 9am - 8pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+18635340131

Website

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