MANAHAWKIN — The Stafford Branch of the Ocean County Library will close May 1 as the system prepares for the debut of a new, expanded facility nearby.
Library visitors will be able to use the current branch at 129 North Main Street through 9 p.m. April 30. The new branch, located at 179 South Main Street next to the Ocean County Southern Service Center, is expected to open this summer with larger collections, updated technology and improved community spaces.
During the closure, materials reserved for Stafford patrons will automatically be sent to the Barnegat Branch at 112 Burr Street. Library users who prefer another pickup location can contact any Ocean County Library branch to make arrangements.
Book drops at the Stafford location will remain available through April 26 but will close starting April 27. Patrons can return items at the Barnegat Branch, the Long Beach Island Branch in Surf City, or any Ocean County Library location.
Library Director Susan Quinn said the temporary shutdown marks progress toward a modernized facility. The project is funded in part by the New Jersey Library Construction Bond Act, including a $4.8 million grant awarded to the Ocean County Library in 2022.
