Ocean County Library Wins National Award

For the second year in a row, the Ocean County Library system has been recognized as a "Star Library" in an industry publication.

Library Journal, a national publication covering libraries and library science, selected the Ocean County system for the award based on 2009 data from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. It rated 7,513 public libraries in the United States and identified 262 as Star Libraries. The rankings are based on statistical data including circulation of materials, program attendance, Internet usage and annual customer traffic.

According to library spokesman Larry Meegan, Ocean County was one of six New Jersey library systems to achieve the award, and places Ocean County Library in the top 15 large library systems in the country alongside the San Francisco Public Library and Denver Public Library.

“It is an honor to be named one of America’s Star Libraries for a second year,” said Library Director Susan Quinn in a statement. “It is a tribute to our staff, a supportive Ocean County community, and our Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders.”

"We try very hard to be a library system that is responsive to the needs of our residents," said Valerie Bell, Assistant Director for Public Services. "It's nice to be recognized for the work we do every day."

The library system, one of the largest of its kind in New Jersey, has 21 locations across the county. The is located at 21 Colonial Dr. and the Whiting Reading Center is housed in the Whiting Commons Shopping Center, 400 Lacey Road, Suite 5.