Ocean County Library Celebrates National Library Week April 9 To 15

The Ocean County Library Main Branch (Photo by Micromedia Publications)

OCEAN COUNTY – Libraries transform lives every day opening a world of possibilities for everyone. April 9 through 15 is National Library Week and the Ocean County Library will join libraries nationwide that are transforming their communities through the services they offer.

National Library Week is a time to highlight the changing role of libraries, librarians and library workers.  Libraries aren’t only a place of quiet study, but also creative and engaging community centers where people can collaborate using new technologies, learn how to use a 3D printer or even record their own music.

The theme of this year’s National Library Week is “transforming lives” something which is part of the Ocean County Library’s motto, “Connecting People … Building Community … Transforming Lives.” The Ocean County Library provides such resources as technology classes, materials for English-language learners, programs for job seekers or a safe haven in times of crisis and much more.

  The Ocean County Library also transforms lives through new online services such as Hoopla, a groundbreaking digital media service that allows library users to borrow movies, music, audiobooks, ebooks, comics and TV shows to enjoy on their computer, tablet, or phone – and even your TV. Another recent development includes a Chat and Text service where customers can communicate with a librarian live.

“The library embraces the entire community, offering unlimited opportunities for personal growth and lifelong learning,” said Ocean County Library Director Susan Quinn. “Libraries level the playing field for people of any age who are seeking the information and access to technologies that will improve their quality of life.”

First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each April. Several branches of the Ocean County Library will present special programs in honor of National Library Week.

The Upper Shores Branch of the Ocean County Library, 112 Jersey City Ave. Lavallette, will kick off National Library Week with a special program at 7:30 p.m. on April 5. Come and hear a fascinating account of a New Jersey minister who was also a Nazi spy. Pastor Frank Watson wrote “The Nazi Spy: Carl Krepper and the War in America,” based on a shocking document he found. Registration is required. This program is being sponsored by the Friends of Upper Shores.

Customers and staff are welcome to acknowledge National Library Week and National Library Workers’ Day from 3 to 4 p.m. on April 11 at the Lakewood Branch, 301 Lexington Ave. To register for this celebration, call 732-363-1435, ext. 2620.

The Plumsted Branch, 119 Evergreen Road, will celebrate National Library Week with “Pajama Story Time” at 6 p.m. on April 12. The family bedtime story time program will be followed with a craft activity. Patrons can come in their coziest pajamas. This program is for children between 3 and 6 years old. To register for this program, call 609-758-7888, ext. 7225.

For more information about the many National Library Week programs being held at the Ocean County Library at any of its 21 locations call 732-349-6200 or visit library’s website at theoceancountylibrary.org.