GANGS are an Ocean County Reality. They are a problem not only for law enforcement but also for the community.

As a parent, educator, member of law enforcement, youth or concerned community member, you can help prevent further gang violence by learning what a gang is, what the signs of gang involvement and gang activity are and what you can do to stem future gang violence.

The Ocean County Library will host a Gang Awareness Program on Wednesday, March 9th at the Brick branch for teens, parents, educators, clergy and other concerned adults about the growing menace of gangs in our communities.

 Lt. Torres will further talk about gang presence in schools and popular culture. He will point out what to look for when gang involvement is suspected and where to go for help.

The programs are free and open to the public.

Teens ages 12 and up are encouraged to attend.

  Sign in for all programs after 6:15 pm and the program promptly starts at 6:30.

 Light refreshments will be served and Professional Development Hours are offered.

The programs will be held at the library branches in:

Toms River Branch, Thursday, Feb. 25th, 101 Washington St., (732)-349-6200

Brick, Branch, Wednesday, March 9th, 301 Chambers Bridge Rd. (732) 477-451

Lakewood Branch, Monday, March 14th, 301 Lexington Avenue, (732) 363 - 1435 (Bilingual)

Lacey Branch, Tuesday, March 29th, 112 Main St., (609) 693-5133

These programs are funded through a community collaboration of the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the Ocean County Youth Service Commission, the Ocean County Health Department, the Ocean County Superior Court Juvenile Probation Division, the Ocean County Library, the Municipal Alliance Project and the New Jersey Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse