About the Library

Ocean County Library connects people, builds community and transforms lives through the power of information and the power of stories. We are essential to our community today more than ever. Public libraries support lifelong learning, sustainable communities, and economic development. The library serves as a portal of knowledge and strengthens civic involvement. It increasingly provides content that is digital in nature, as well as supporting our residents’ desire for personal growth.

Ocean County Library is located at the beautiful New Jersey Shore, a major tourist destination on the East Coast near New York City and Philadelphia. We have 21 library locations to serve a population of 637,229 residents in the 32 municipalities that comprise our service area. Each year, the library circulates over 4.1 million books, answers over 1.6 million reference questions, provides over 14,700 programs and activities for children, young adults, adults and families, and has over 1.5 million visits to our library system.

Our library collection includes over 1.4 million volumes and consists of print books, eBooks, audio books, magazines, music, DVD’s, videogames and local history materials. We have 134 databases providing access to thousands of journals, research and online learning materials. The library has over 566 computers available for public use and all of our library locations offer free web access via Wi-Fi.

An Ocean County Library card allows you to borrow books and other materials from any of our 21 library locations. You can also access eBooks and online resources at the library, from your personal computer with internet access, or through the Ocean County Library app on your smartphone, tablet, or other mobile device. The Ocean County Library has a reciprocal borrowing agreement with the Burlington County Library and the Monmouth County Library systems, which allows our residents to borrow materials from these fine library systems and allows residents of Burlington and Monmouth counties who belong to their county library system to borrow books and materials from the Ocean County Library.

Ocean County Library upholds the tenets of the American Library Association that all libraries are forums for information and ideas and the freedom to speak, to hear, to read and to view is protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America. We are a multicultural and inclusive institution dedicated to providing a welcoming environment to all regardless of age, class, gender, ethnicity, mental or physical ability, race, religion, sexual orientation or political affiliation. We respect, honor, and are committed to providing library services, materials and programs for all of Ocean County’s diverse populations.

Awards and Recognition

Ocean County Library is honored to have received numerous prestigious awards over the years, reflecting our dedication to service, innovation, and community impact. Some of the notable recognitions include:

• National Medal for Museum and Library Service – Finalist (2023) and Recipient (2007), awarded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Washington, D.C.
• New Jersey Library Association – Librarian of the Year (2025), Diane Musella, Public Relations Information Literature Award (2024) for the annual report, Outstanding Multicultural Programming Award (2014) for African American Family Reunions, History and Genealogy program and Library Service Award for Trustees (2013), recognizing the Ocean County Library Commission, Library Champion of the Year (2002) recognizing Ocean County Commissioner James J. Mancini; and Librarian of the Year (1994) Elaine McConnell, Library Director
• New Jersey Library Association and New Jersey Association of School Librarians – Amy Job Partnership Award (2019)
• The Ocean County Advisory Commission on the Status of Women – Advocate of the Year (2013) Ocean County Library and Susan Quinn, Library Director
• Library Journal – Star Library Designation (2010 and 2011), Library of the Year – Special Mention (2013), Movers & Shakers Award (2006), Valerie Bell, Assistant Library Director
• NJ Governor's Council on Mental Health Stigma – Ambassador Award (2008)
• American Library Association – John Cotton Dana Library Public Relations Award (2007) for the campaign “Hurricane Katrina—Partners in Caring,” Diversity Fair First Place (2004)

These accolades are a testament to the unwavering commitment of our Library Commission, staff, volunteers, and community partners. They inspire us to continue expanding access, fostering inclusion, and delivering outstanding library services to all.

We look forward to welcoming you to Ocean County Library!