Fruitland Park Library

In 1914, George T. Clark built a community center for the residents of Fruitland Park on the property of his Gardenia Hotel. Known locally as the Casino, the building was designed in the Frame Vernacular style with wood-framed construction, a metal roof, a wide porch, low eaves. and a breezeway. When completed, it contained a large stage and ladies' and men's dressing rooms, each with their own bathroom. The Casino also featured amenities such as running water, electric lights, and steam heat. It began serving as a meeting place for civic organizations such as the Fruitland Park Improvement Association and Fruitland Park Chamber of Commerce. During World War I, women and school children met there to knit mufflers, sweaters, and socks for servicemen. In 1920, William G. Dwight and his wife,

After seeing the green roadside “library” sign off of Route 441 in Fruitland Park, we decided to find out more about this branch of the Lake County Library System. We are on a mission to visit each of the 14 branches. This is another gem of a library. While not as large as the Leesburg or Lady Lake branches, the Fruitland Park branch offers a library amenity we’ve never seen before: a cafe! Both breakfast and lunch are served in a gathering space that also houses their used bookstore with used books and magazines for sale. A group of men and a table of women were enjoying each other’s company. I ordered a Turkey Reuben Sandwich to go and it was delicious. The library is a busy place. A steady stream of children came in for Wednesday Story Hour featuring a presentation by the local pol

We ate lunch at the Gardenia Cafe inside the Library today. As always the food was fresh & flavorful. We had the scoop of chicken salad over mixed greens with tomato & cucumber. Yum! Chrissy and her team are amazing!

I had the most delightful experience at this location. I needed some assistance with scanning 30 pages to a customer. When I walked in a gentleman greeted me and asked if he could direct me to a particular part. He sent me to GLORIA. I was there around 20 minutes, left and had to return. There was GLORIA, friendly and very helpful. I deal with libraries all over 5 counties and I am never greeted + never assisted with such a pleasant employee. Gloria gets these 5 stars. I would like to comment about the cleanliness of the ladies restroom, as well. If I'm in that area again I certainly will visit their location.

A nice place to enjoy a peaceful time