Current Press Release

TOMS RIVER – The Ocean County Library is closely following the recommendations of our County, State, and National health organizations about the coronavirus (COVID-19) because the safety of our library customers and staff is our first priority. 

Beginning Saturday, March 14, 2020 the Ocean County Library is cancelling all library programs, outreach and meetings, and the use of library meeting rooms and spaces by outside groups, through March 31.

All library branches remain open at this time. Our facilities are cleaned daily with attention to hard surfaces such as hand rails, door handles, restrooms, and frequently touched surfaces.

For the convenience of our library customers, effective immediately the Ocean County Library will automatically extend the due dates of all books and materials that are checked out and waive all late fines. Please enjoy the library books and materials you have checked out a little longer instead of returning them to library.

Remember, the Ocean County Library’s digital resources and materials, online learning resources, and pre-recorded and live-streamed library programs are available to you for entertainment, education and information 24-hours a day, seven days a week. Enjoy free eBooks, audiobooks, movies, music, magazines, and more for children, teens, and adults, or ask one of our librarians a reference question through our online chat/text service by visiting our website at www.theoceancountylibrary.org

For Ocean County residents who do not have a library card, the Ocean County Library will provide a library card barcode that will provide access to all our digital services without needing to visit the library.

Information regarding coronavirus (COVID-19) from the Ocean County Health Department is also available to library customers on the front page of the library’s website. 

“We are taking these actions out of an abundance of caution because we care about the health and safety of our library customers and staff,” said Ruthanne Scaturro, Chairperson, Ocean County Library Commission. 

Library Director Susan Quinn said, “The Ocean County Library is being sensible in following the recommendations of healthcare professionals and medical experts that one of the best ways to help deter the spread of this virus is to employ social distancing by avoiding large public gatherings.”  

She also noted that all library employees have been instructed to follow the recommendations regarding hand washing and all other health protocols recommended by the Ocean County Health Department. 

For more information, visit www.theoceancountylibrary.org or contact your local branch.

03-13-covid.pdf