ARTICLE
Kiwanis Club of Lakeland and South McKeel Academy K-Kids to Install Sixth Community Learning Library In a community where literacy challenges continue to impact student success, local students are stepping up to make a difference one book at a time. The South McKeel Academy K-Kids Service Leadership Program, chartered by the Kiwanis Club of Lakeland, is proud to announce the installation of a new free Kiwanis Learning Library at John McGee Park at 2399 Edgewood Dr. S. in Lakeland, Florida. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place on Tuesday, May 19 at 9:00 a.m. The project was selected by the fourth, fifth, and sixth grade students in the club as part of their annual service initiative to encourage literacy and improve access to books for children and families throughout the community. According to recent education data, only about half of Polk County third graders are currently reading at grade level, highlighting the ongoing need for literacy support and access to reading materials for children. Research consistently shows that children who read proficiently by third grade are significantly more likely to graduate high school and experience long-term academic success. “Books should never be a luxury for a child,” said Stephanie Hoskins, President of the Kiwanis Club of Lakeland. “These learning libraries help remove barriers by placing free books directly into neighborhoods where children and families can access them anytime. Literacy changes lives, and we are proud to see our students leading that effort.” The Kiwanis Learning Libraries are designed to provide free, accessible books to children of all ages while encouraging reading, curiosity, and educational growth outside of the classroom. This newest installation marks the sixth Kiwanis Learning Library established in the Lakeland community. Existing locations include: • Oscar J. Pope Elementary • Southwest Elementary • Blake Academy • Barnett Family Park • Kidstown Preschool The Kiwanis Club of Lakeland continues to support literacy, youth leadership, and educational initiatives through its Service Leadership Programs, scholarships, and community outreach projects throughout Polk County. Community members, local leaders, and media are invited to attend the ribbon-cutting celebration. Event Details: Kiwanis Learning Library Ribbon Cutting John McGee Park, Lakeland, FL Tuesday, May 19, 2026 9:00 AM For additional information, please contact: Stephanie Hoskins President, Kiwanis Club of Lakeland stephanie@good-intents.com 863-259-9990
Kiwanis Club of Lakeland and South McKeel Academy K-Kids to Install Sixth Community Learning Library
In a community where literacy challenges continue to impact student success, local students are stepping up to make a difference one book at a time.
The South McKeel Academy K-Kids Service Leadership Program, chartered by the Kiwanis Club of Lakeland, is proud to announce the installation of a new free Kiwanis Learning Library at John McGee Park at 2399 Edgewood Dr. S. in Lakeland, Florida. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place on Tuesday, May 19 at 9:00 a.m. The project was selected by the fourth, fifth, and sixth grade students in the club as part of their annual service initiative to encourage literacy and improve access to books for children and families throughout the community.
According to recent education data, only about half of Polk County third graders are currently reading at grade level, highlighting the ongoing need for literacy support and access to reading materials for children. Research consistently shows that children who read proficiently by third grade are significantly more likely to graduate high school and experience long-term academic success. “Books should never be a luxury for a child,” said Stephanie Hoskins, President of the Kiwanis Club of Lakeland. “These learning libraries help remove barriers by placing free books directly into neighborhoods where children and families can access them anytime. Literacy changes lives, and we are proud to see our students leading that effort.”
The Kiwanis Learning Libraries are designed to provide free, accessible books to children of all ages while encouraging reading, curiosity, and educational growth outside of the classroom. This newest installation marks the sixth Kiwanis Learning Library established in the Lakeland community. Existing locations include: • Oscar J. Pope Elementary • Southwest Elementary • Blake Academy • Barnett Family Park • Kidstown Preschool
The Kiwanis Club of Lakeland continues to support literacy, youth leadership, and educational initiatives through its Service Leadership Programs, scholarships, and community outreach projects throughout Polk County. Community members, local leaders, and media are invited to attend the ribbon-cutting celebration.
Event Details: Kiwanis Learning Library Ribbon Cutting John McGee Park, Lakeland, FL Tuesday, May 19, 2026 9:00 AM
For additional information, please contact: Stephanie Hoskins President, Kiwanis Club of Lakeland stephanie@good-intents.com 863-259-9990