JACKSON – The Ocean County Library turned 100 this month and it was an event that was celebrated at all the branches of the library system.
Throughout the year the library system has been observing their milestone birthday through various events held at each branch. OCL has 21 locations.
Co-Chairs of the 100th Anniversary Committee included Sherri Taliercio, Librarian 4, Public Information Officer and Scott Brown, Librarian 4, Virtual Programs/Knowledge Management. They provided a joint statement to The Jackson Times saying, “As we reflect on the Ocean County Library’s 100th Anniversary celebrations we are filled with gratitude. The dedication, creativity, and teamwork that went into planning every event – from the Foundation Gala on to the many branch celebrations – ensured that each moment honored our library’s history while celebrating its future.”
“These festivities truly captured the heart of what the Ocean County Library means to our community, and we are so proud to have shared this milestone with such an inspiring team and with the people we serve,” their statement added.
Among the members of the Friends of the Jackson Library present for the celebration were Mae Giaimo, Carol Andrew and group President Sue Milo.
The Friends of the Jackson Library sponsored the September 19 guided painting event with Susan Ruth while a special musical program “The Speakeasy Nights” featuring tunes of the roaring 1920s with Deb Lyons was sponsored by an OCL Foundation grant.
September 20 once again featured the Friends greeting visitors at the branch’s foyer. There was also a drop-in crafts event for adults and at 10 a.m. the birthday cake was cut by Assemblyman Alex Sauickie (R-12th), a Jackson resident, who was joined by branch staff and library patrons.
The Friends also sponsored a lesson in line dancing by Maureen Ryan-Hawkins of the Dancemaur Company. “I teach over at the Dome at Adventure Crossing in Jackson in the restaurant there on Tuesday nights. I DJ and teach three line dancing lessons a night. I’ve been line dancing for years and its fun,” she told The Jackson Times.
After her program you could enjoy some listening music with Gary Nokes, a princess “meet and greet” children’s program by Enchanting Entertainment, and then you could enjoy some cotton candy provided by the Asbury Cotton Candy Company which was open to those of all ages.
Later in the afternoon you had the chance to meet a mini horse with Ana’s World of Minis back in the meeting room which was another event for all ages.
Milo said “we’ve been working on this all year. The Speakeasy was sponsored by the Foundation. It was terrific. What a talented woman. It was amazing.” There was a prize event raffle at each 100th anniversary event held throughout the year at each branch of OCL.
OCL Director Susan Quinn remarked, “Ocean County Library has always been about more than books – it’s about people, community, and lifelong learning. From our humble beginnings as a single branch to now serving the entire county with 21 locations, we are proud to celebrate 100 years of growth, innovation, and connection. These celebrations reflect the library’s enduring role as a gathering place where everyone is welcome.”
Ocean County Commissioner Jennifier Bacchione serves as the county’s liaison to OCL. She said “the Ocean County Library staff have done an outstanding job celebrating the library’s 100-year anniversary. Throughout the year, all 21 locations have hosted a variety of engaging events that reflect the library’s deep connection to the community.”
The Friends have a Helping Friends at Boscov’s fundraiser set for 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on October 22 where patrons get 25% off of discount shopping at Boscov’s in store and online with 100% of the donations benefiting their organization which supports OCL. For full details about this fundraiser call Friends member Rochelle Blum at 732-598-9577.
