OCEAN COUNTY – Serving as the co-chairs of the Centennial Celebration Committee is a big job, just ask Ocean County Librarian Sherri Taliercio who serves as library system Public Information Officer and fellow Librarian Scott Brown, who works in the virtual programs/knowledge management division.
They chaired OCL’s 100 Anniversary Committee which recently saw multiple celebrations in branches across the county.
In a joint statement they remarked, “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 (held at the Toms River Library) to the many branch celebrations – ensured that each moment honored our library’s history while celebrating its future.”
They added, “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.”
OCL Director Susan Quinn said, “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.”
“Libraries provide inclusive spaces where individuals of all backgrounds can explore, learn, and contribute. Our Ocean County Library system continues to grow, with a notable increase in new library cards and a remarkable 55% rise in participation at library events,” she added.
Commissioner Bacchione remarked, “it was a true privilege to visit and meet our tremendous library staff at each library branch. It was impressive to witness firsthand the dedicated service and contributions of our staff to ensure our customers have a satisfactory experience.”
Ocean County Library Commission Chair Timothy McDonald noted that “in celebrating Ocean County Library’s 100th year, we are reminded that libraries remain vital to our communities – places of learning, connection, and opportunity. The Ocean County Library continues to evolve with the times while remaining a cornerstone for generations to come.”
One recent highlight of OCL’s centennial celebration was the presentation of a check by the Toms River Sunrise Rotary Charitable Foundation to the Ocean County Library Foundation. The Rotary Foundation donated $100,000 to the Ocean County Library Foundation for the activities of the Sparks’s Lab at the Toms River Branch.
The Rotary is making the donation to the Foundation in honor of Ocean County Library’s 100th Anniversary – $1,000 for 100 years. The Ocean County Library Foundation will provide $10,000 annually from this endowment gift to support the equipment and supplies for the Sparks’s Lab.
“The Toms River Sunrise Rotary Club has been working to improve life in our society since 1988,” Ryan Caswell, President of the Rotary Foundation said.
“In 2003, when the Toms River Branch was expanded, our club and several members, including Hecht Trailers and Hometown Dairy, sponsored three new reading rooms. The 100th Anniversary seemed like a perfect time to help this wonderful library system, celebrate this milestone, and hopefully with this $100,000 donation, spur others to make their own contributions,” he added.
“As the current Chairperson of the Ocean County Library Foundation, I speak for our whole Board to say we are humbled and honored that the Toms River Sunrise Rotary has chosen our organization to receive this most generous gift,” said attorney Jonathan Z. Petro.
“The Toms River Sunrise Rotary has been a vital part of our community for decades and has contributed to youth development in so many ways. We acknowledge the trust they have put in us to steward this gift for the betterment of our library system and patrons of all ages. Our Foundation relies on donations to provide services beyond taxpayer dollars, as we continue to serve, educate, and bring people together,” he added.
Ocean County Library Commissioner Susan L. Hutler, who serves as the liaison to the Ocean County Library Foundation said, “The Library Commission is pleased to rename the makerspace in the Toms River Branch as the Toms River Sunrise Rotary Charitable Foundation Sparks’s Lab in recognition of this generous donation which will support STEAM education activities for students of all ages for years to come.”
