STAFFORD, NJ — The Ocean County Library marked the grand opening of its new Stafford Branch on Monday, Oct. 5, with county commissioners, library leaders, township officials and residents gathering at 179 South Main St. in Manahawkin.
Ocean County Commissioner Director Frank Sadeghi, Deputy Director Jennifier Bacchione, who serves as liaison to the Ocean County Library system, and Commissioner Sam Ellenbogen were among those attending the ceremony. Ocean County Library staff, Stafford Township officials, project partners and community members also took part in the opening celebration.
The ceremony included remarks from Ocean County Library Director Susan Quinn, Deputy Director Bacchione, Ocean County Library Commission Chair Henry J. Mancini, NJ 9th District Assemblyman Grey Myhre, New Jersey State Librarian Jennifer Nelson and Stafford Mayor Robert E. Henken. The Ocean County Sheriff's Office also held a ceremonial flag raising to mark the occasion.
The new branch offers expanded collections and a wider range of spaces intended for learning, creativity and community use. According to the county announcement, the building includes a large children's area, a teen space, an intergenerational space, a STEAM makerspace, a sensory space and state-of-the-art technology.
The project was supported through funding from the New Jersey Library Construction Bond Act, which is administered by the New Jersey State Library.
The Stafford Branch is now open at its new Manahawkin location with regular weekly hours. The branch is open Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
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