Ethel M. Gordon Oakland Park Library
🏢 City of Oakland Park · Oakland Park, Florida
Ethel M. Gordon Oakland Park Library
Named in honor of Ethel M. Gordon (1897–1973), who championed the creation of Oakland Park's first library through the Women's Club in 1954, the Ethel M. Gordon Oakland Park Library opened a brand-new city-owned home at 3900 NE 3rd Avenue in July 2026 — a modern technology hub and community center that continues a seven-decade tradition of free public service in Broward County.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 9am–6pm |
| Tuesday | 11am–8pm |
| Wednesday | 9am–6pm |
| Thursday | 11am–8pm |
| Friday | 9am–6pm |
| Saturday | 9am–4pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 3900 NE 3rd Avenue, Oakland Park, FL 33334
Phone: (954) 630-4370
Website: oaklandparkfl.gov
Plus Code: 76RX5VFC+74 (Oakland Park, FL)
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📖 About Ethel M. Gordon Oakland Park Library
The Ethel M. Gordon Oakland Park Library has its roots in May 1955, when the Oakland Park Women's Club opened a community library at their clubhouse at 3721 NE Thirteenth Avenue. The driving force was Women's Club member Ethel Gordon (1897–1973), who, in her own words, had 'never lived in a town without a library' — a sentiment that inspired her to organize the effort in 1954. The Mayor of Oakland Park and city commissioners attended the formal opening. On October 16, 2013, the Oakland Park City Commission voted to rename the library in Ethel Gordon's honor. After years at its former 37th Street location, the library moved in July 2026 to a new, purpose-built facility at 3900 NE 3rd Avenue within City Centennial Park — a modern technology hub offering Hush Booths for private calls and telehealth appointments, Beanstack digital reading tracking, and Playaway audiobooks. The library is fine-free for most materials and participates in the Florida Electronic Library statewide program.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Named for Ethel M. Gordon (1897–1973), who inspired the library's 1954 founding through the Oakland Park Women's Club — 'never lived in a town without a library'
- Formally renamed by City Commission vote on October 16, 2013 to honor its founder
- Moved in July 2026 to a new, purpose-built home at 3900 NE 3rd Avenue in City Centennial Park
- Fine-free library — late fees are eliminated for most materials
- Hush Booths for private phone calls, virtual job interviews, and telehealth appointments
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Oakland Park Library cardholders access free digital resources through the Florida Electronic Library and local subscriptions:
📚 Services
- Fine-free borrowing for most materials
- Hush Booths — private enclosed spaces for calls, telehealth and virtual meetings
- Playaway audiobook lending
- Public computers and free Wi-Fi
- Beanstack digital reading tracker and challenges
- Community meeting rooms
- Youth Services department (call 954-630-4372)
- Adult Services department (call 954-630-4273)
- Reference and reader's advisory assistance
- Ask a Librarian online reference service
🎸 Programs
- Summer reading program via Beanstack
- Youth storytimes and children's programming
- Adult and teen programming
- Community reading challenges and literacy events
- Veteran's assistance resources
- Social services navigation support
📍 Nearby Libraries in Broward County
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
All libraries in Oakland Park · Browse all Florida libraries →
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Ethel M. Gordon and why is the Oakland Park Library named after her?
Ethel M. Gordon (1897–1973) was a member of the Oakland Park Women's Club who led the effort to establish a community library in Oakland Park in 1954. Her guiding principle — that she had 'never lived in a town without a library' — inspired the organization of the library at the Women's Clubhouse, which opened to the public in May 1955. On October 16, 2013, the Oakland Park City Commission formally renamed the library in her honor.
Did the Oakland Park Library recently move to a new location?
Yes. After decades at its former 37th Street address, the library opened a new, purpose-built facility at 3900 NE 3rd Avenue in City Centennial Park in July 2026. The new building features Hush Booths for private meetings and calls, modern technology resources, and expanded community space.
Is the Oakland Park Library fine-free?
Yes. The Ethel M. Gordon Oakland Park Library is fine-free — late fees no longer accrue on most borrowed materials. Cardholders are still responsible for lost or damaged items, and items are considered lost at 35 days past their due date. All existing late fees on non-expired accounts have been removed.
What are Hush Booths and how do I use them?
Hush Booths are private, enclosed spaces at the Oakland Park Library designed for quiet phone calls, virtual job interviews, telehealth appointments, or online meetings. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis during library hours — no reservation is required.
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