Library System Celebrates 90 Years Of Serving Ocean County

Ninety years ago -- long before the Garden State Parkway carved a path through the Pinelands, long before many of us were born -- the Ocean County Library began serving the citizens of the county.

Today, Friday, Sept. 18, the library system -- now with 17 branches serving more than 577,000 residents throughout the county -- will mark that anniversary with not one birthday party but 17. Each party will be unique but each one will include refreshments, balloons and lots of fun.

“All year long we’ve been observing our anniversary by providing special decade themed programs each month spotlighting the history and popular culture of the decades we’ve operated in,’’ Ocean County Library Director Susan Quinn said.

The library kicked off its celebration in January with a special program aimed at fans of the British TV series “Downton Abbey.” The series is based in the 1920s and the program featured special guest author Jessica Fellowes, niece of Lord Julian Fellowes, creator and writer of Downton Abbey.

The free celebrations today coincide with the date that the library’s first branch opened on Sept. 19, 1925.

“We would like the public to celebrate with us,’’ Quinn said.

The month of September is also National Library Card Sign-up Month, a time to remind parents and children that a library card is the most important school supply of all.

“We invite those who don’t yet have an Ocean County Library card to stop in and sign-up for a card this month. Signing up at our Sept. 18 celebration might be the perfect time to do so,’’ Quinn said.

The Toms River Branch at 101 Washington St., serves as headquarters to the Ocean County Library. The branch will start its festivities at 2 p.m. Activities include a brief ceremony by Ocean County Library officials and special guests. Sparks, the magenta dragon mascot of the library will stop by at 2:30 p.m. and a musical program will be held at 3:30 p.m. followed by refreshments. For additional information call 732-349-6200.

The Lacey Branch located at 10 East Lacey Road, Forked River will host its party at 3 p.m. The celebration will include a scavenger hunt, a raffle drawing and refreshments. For additional information call 609-693-8566.

The Little Egg Harbor Branch located at 290 Mathistown Road will start celebrating at noon with a birthday cake and a screening of the film “Age of Adeline.” For additional information call 609-294-1197.

“We want everyone to come out and join the fun and stop by for our special day. The Ocean County Library has touched the lives of so many people during our 90 years of service and we will continue to meet the every changing needs of our customers in the decades to come,’’ Quinn said.