Ocean County Library Stafford Branch Closing in Preparation of New Branch Opening

MANAHAWKIN, NJ – The Stafford Branch of the Ocean County Library, located at 129 North Main Street, will close on May 1, 2026, as preparations continue for the opening of the new Stafford Branch at 179 South Main Street, Manahawkin, adjacent to the Ocean County Southern Service Center.

Patrons may visit the current Stafford Branch through 9 p.m. on Thursday, April 30.

The new Stafford Branch is anticipated to open this summer and will offer expanded collections, modern technology, and enhanced community spaces.

Beginning May 1, all library items held for Stafford patrons will automatically be routed to the Barnegat Branch, located at 112 Burr Street.

Patrons who prefer a different pickup location may contact any Ocean County Library branch for assistance.

Book drops at the Stafford Branch will remain open through Sunday, April 26 and will close beginning April 27. During this time, materials may be returned to:

• Barnegat Branch, 112 Burr Street, Barnegat
• Long Beach Island Branch, 217 South Central Avenue, Surf City
• Any Ocean County Library location

“This temporary closure brings us one step closer to opening a new state‑of‑the‑art library in Stafford Township,” said Ocean County Library Director Susan Quinn. “We deeply appreciate the public’s patience and support as we move toward this exciting next chapter.”

This project is supported by funding from the New Jersey Library Construction Bond Act, administered by the New Jersey State Library. In 2022, the Ocean County Library was selected through a competitive process to receive a Round Two Construction Bond Act Grant of $4,824,000 to build the new Stafford Branch.