Lakeland Library Offers Fall Break Crochet Class for Teens with Prerequisite Skills
When the fall break bell rings in Lakeland, Florida, kids and teens won’t just be scrolling through their phones—they’ll be holding crochet hooks instead. The Lakeland Public Library is launching a hands-on, two-day crochet series at the Larry R. Jackson Branch Library on November 24 and 25, 2025, designed specifically for young crafters aged 9 to 17. No fancy equipment needed. No fees. Just yarn, a little patience, and the one thing they already have to show up with: the ability to chain and single crochet. It’s not a beginner class. It’s not a drop-in workshop. It’s a deliberate, skill-building experience—and it’s already sold out in minutes when registration opened at 10 a.m. on November 17.
Why This Class Isn’t Just Another Craft Session
Most libraries offer free crafts. But this? This is different. The Lakeland Public Library isn’t trying to entertain kids for an hour. They’re teaching a tangible, transferable skill—one that builds focus, fine motor control, and quiet confidence. Participants will leave with a fall-themed plush toy they made themselves, but more importantly, they’ll walk away with a foundation that could lead to blankets, hats, or even a future hobby turned side hustle. The requirement to know chain and single crochet stitches upfront means the class targets intermediate beginners—kids who’ve tried crocheting before, maybe from a parent or YouTube tutorial, and are ready to level up.That’s a smart move. Libraries aren’t just book warehouses anymore. They’re community skill hubs. And in a time when screen time dominates after-school hours, this program quietly pushes back—not with lectures, but with yarn.
The Logistics: When, Where, and How to Get In
The two sessions run Monday and Tuesday, November 24–25, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. sharp. Attendance at both days is mandatory—the second class builds directly on the first, and the library won’t let you join halfway through. Supplies? All provided. No need to buy a hook or yarn. The library’s got it covered, thanks to municipal funding and community donations.Registration opened precisely at 10 a.m. on Monday, November 17, 2025, and snapped up fast. Only those who signed up for the full two-day series were accepted. No walk-ins. No waitlists. That’s how they’re managing demand in a small space with limited materials. If you missed it? Too bad. But don’t count on that being the end.
The Larry R. Jackson Branch Library is located at 3100 E. Lake Parker Ave., Lakeland, FL. Its hours are Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m.–7 p.m.; Friday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; closed Sundays. For questions, contact Cassie Walters-Shantal at (863) 834-4294 or [email protected]. (Note: The library’s official site includes a disclaimer that external links aren’t endorsed—but this email is a direct government domain, so it’s safe.)
What’s Happening Elsewhere at the Library
While the fall break crochet class is the headline act, it’s not the only thing brewing. On November 19, 2025—the same day the Daily Ridge published the story—the library hosted In the Loop: A Crochet Class at 5 p.m. and a LEGO Club at 5:30 p.m. Those events, however, appear to be open to all ages and don’t require prior experience. The fact that both classes ran on the same day suggests the library is testing different models: one for advanced youth, one for general audiences. The Lakeland Public Library system operates three branches: the main branch, the Kelly Branch Library, and the Larry R. Jackson Branch Library. Only Jackson hosted the fall break series.Behind the scenes, it’s all managed by LibCal, a scheduling platform used by hundreds of public libraries. The event calendar shows multiple identical listings for the crochet class, likely due to how the system auto-populates recurring events. That’s a glitch, not a feature—but it doesn’t change the fact that the program is real, and it’s working.
Why This Matters Beyond Lakeland
This isn’t just about crocheting. It’s about libraries reclaiming their role as incubators of analog skills in a digital world. When kids learn to make something with their hands—something that takes time, repetition, and patience—they’re building resilience. They’re learning to sit with a problem, fix a dropped stitch, and try again. That’s emotional intelligence disguised as fiber art.And it’s happening quietly, without fanfare, in a small branch library in Polk County. No viral TikTok trend. No corporate sponsor. Just a city government investing $0 in participant fees and $100 in yarn, hoping it sparks something bigger. If this class fills up again next year—and it will—don’t be surprised if other Florida municipalities copy the model.
What’s Next?
The library hasn’t announced future crochet sessions beyond this fall break, but given the demand, it’s likely they’ll expand. Look for announcements in January 2026 for winter break programming. There’s also talk of a teen crochet club meeting monthly after school. No official word yet, but Cassie Walters-Shantal says they’re "listening to what the kids want."For now, the focus is on the two days in November. And if you’re one of the lucky 20 kids who got in? You’re not just making a plushie. You’re making something that lasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to bring my own crochet supplies?
No. The Lakeland Public Library provides all materials—including hooks, yarn, and patterns—for the fall break crochet class at no cost. Participants only need to bring their existing skills: the ability to chain and single crochet. Everything else is supplied to ensure equitable access for all registered teens.
Why is prior experience required for this class?
The class is designed as a skill-building progression, not an introduction. Since the second day builds directly on the first, instructors assume participants already know how to chain and single crochet. This allows them to focus on intermediate techniques like increasing, decreasing, and shaping—essential for completing the fall-themed plush project successfully.
Can I register for just one day of the class?
No. Registration requires signing up for both sessions on November 24 and 25, 2025. The curriculum is structured as a single two-day course, and skipping the first day would leave participants unable to follow along. The library enforces this rule to maintain class integrity and ensure everyone completes the project.
How do I know if I have the right skills to join?
If you can make a chain stitch (a series of loops) and then add a single crochet stitch (insert hook, yarn over, pull through, yarn over again, pull through both loops), you’re ready. Many teens learn these basics from parents, YouTube tutorials, or a prior library workshop. If you’re unsure, practice for 10 minutes with a hook and yarn—most people know if they’ve done it before.
Are there other crochet classes for younger kids or adults?
Yes. The Lakeland Public Library offers "In the Loop: A Crochet Class" for all ages at 5 p.m. on Wednesdays, which doesn’t require prior experience. These are separate from the teen-focused series and often fill up quickly too. Adults interested in learning can attend those sessions or inquire about future beginner workshops planned for 2026.
What happens if I miss registration next time?
Registration for future programs opens at 10 a.m. on the first Monday of the month prior, and spots go fast—often within minutes. Set a calendar reminder. Check the Lakeland Public Library Events Calendar on lakelandgov.net. Sign up for their email newsletter. And if you’re lucky, they’ll announce a waitlist or second session based on demand.