History Ocean County Library

the new hugh b. wheeler reading room contains extensive genealogy collection, along other materials , reading area.

the bishop building, named after writer , adventurer nathaniel holmes bishop, re-dedicated in october, 1984 house non-circulating local history , research collection. on september 18, 1997, new computer training lab dedicated in bishop building. in 2006, services formerly available in bishop building moved main building. genealogical , historical research collection moved wheeler room , computer training lab expanded , re-established technology lab new equipment. future use of bishop building includes plans venue community events , training center library staff.

on january 28, 2006, major renovation , extension of toms river branch opened. building doubled in size. $12.9 million construction project began in october 2002, when ground broken on 52,000-square-foot (4,800 m) expansion of original library building.

over $600,000 devoted original art installation in new building. art includes buzzy , o steel sculptures michael allen malpass of brick, new jersey, sandbar # 1 , sandbar # 2 suspended textile atrium sculpture joanie san chirico of toms river, reflections of ocean county library, 8-foot (2.4 m) bas relief sculpture in bonded bronze created toms river sculptor brian hanlon, terrazzo floor in atrium michele oka doner of new york, acqua viva, drifting, sunyata , embryo, 4 oil paintings of jellyfish helaine rainier of toms river, new jersey, , large argon light sculpture called woven light chris freeman in hugh b. wheeler room.

ocean county library impacted hurricane sandy in october 2012. bay head reading center closed until june 2013 repairs. upper shores branch in lavallette reopened in september 2013. library hosted many events ocean county residents impacted storm including hosting resources expos governmental , nonprofit groups meet , assist storm survivors.

elaine mcconnell retired after 25 years library director @ end of august 2009. susan quinn appointed library director august 17, 2009.