Ocean County Library Ranked Third in Nation

Ocean County Library was recognized as one of the top three libraries in the United States and Canada with a special mention in the 2013 Gale/Library Journal Library of the Year in the print issue which came out on June 15.

The Howard County Library System in Maryland was named Library of the Year and a second special mention went to the Sacramento Public Library in California.

Library Journal stated in the special mention that Ocean County Library featured the service philosophy and dedication to community that signify a Library of the Year.

“This award recognizes the Ocean County Library’s accomplishments and services to our community in both an ordinary year and what became an extraordinary year after Superstorm Sandy slammed into the Jersey Shore,” said Library Director, Susan Quinn. “Any special recognition the Ocean County Library has received on the national level is due to the support of our entire Ocean County community.”

“We share this honor with our residents and dedicated library staff, Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari, our library liaison and the entire Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the Ocean County Library Commission, and our County departments, organizations and community-based organizations, our municipalities, the Ocean County Library Foundation, the Friends of the Library and our volunteers.”

Quinn also acknowledged support received from Governor Christie’s office, New Jersey State Library and New Jersey Library Association.

“We appreciate that the Governor’s Office used our library branches to provide public service programs staffed by specialists to assist our Ocean County residents with storm-related issues,” she said.

Valerie Bell, Assistant Library Director, Public Services said, “It is important that our residents and community partners know that the library is there with them as they rebuild their homes and their lives.”

The New Jersey Library Association awarded its annual Library Service Award for Trustees to the Ocean County Library Commission.  The award recognizes those who have given of themselves in exceptional service to New Jersey’s libraries during 2012. 

The Ocean County Library Commission, an all-volunteer board, was recognized for their experience, dedication and over 30 years of service to the library. Library Commissioners James T. Mullins and Henry J. Mancini accepted the award on behalf of the Library Commission.

"In all my years of association with the Ocean County Library, I have never seen a greater commitment of service by our dedicated staff to the shore community. It is what makes Ocean County such a special place in the Garden State," said Commissioner James T. Mullins.

“It was a great honor to accept this award on behalf of the Commission. We have a great team that works really well together,” said Henry J. Mancini. “The Ocean County Library staff does a great job year after year. They performed exceptionally well this year during Superstorm Sandy and I thank them all for their efforts.”

Mancini served as Library Commission Chairperson from 2010-2012 including during Superstorm Sandy.

“I also would like to thank the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders for their continued support of the Library. The working relationship between the Commission, library staff and Ocean County enables us to provide the highest level of Library services for the residents of Ocean County."

"I am so proud of the accomplishments of the Ocean County Library system. These recognitions highlight what we already know - that this is truly the best library system," said Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari, Liaison to the Ocean County Library. "From the Library Commission to the branch managers to the entire staff, the Ocean County Library exemplifies what is best about Ocean County.

"It serves our citizens in so many different ways with providing them opportunities in education, information and just a source of relaxation," Vicari said. "The Ocean County Library makes programs and services easily accessible for our residents. In our communities, it helps to make a difference every day."