Grand Opening Set For New Stafford Library Branch

MANAHAWKIN, NJ — The Ocean County Library will open its new Stafford Branch at 179 South Main Street in Manahawkin on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, with a 10 a.m. ribbon cutting followed by an 11 a.m. public opening.

The long-awaited new branch replaces the former library on North Main Street and is designed to serve residents in Southern Ocean County.

The new building spans 19,700 square feet. Ocean County Library said it will offer educational resources and community spaces, state-of-the-art technologies, public computers, shelving for 40 to 50 percent more books and materials, a large children’s area, an intergenerational space for senior citizens for socialization, a new teen area and study rooms, a maker space for STEAM activities, and a sensory space for people with sensory processing needs.

The project received $4,824,000 in grant funding through the second round of the New Jersey Library Construction Bond Act, according to the announcement. Ocean County Library said the LCBA awarded $37 million to 36 library projects in 13 counties across New Jersey. The project is supported by funds from the New Jersey Library Construction Bond Act, administered by the New Jersey State Library.

“We are incredibly excited to open the doors to this beautiful new branch and provide the community with the services, programs, collections, technology, and gathering spaces they have been anticipating,” Library Director Susan Quinn said.

“On behalf of the Ocean County Library Commission, we are very excited by the completion and grand opening of the new Stafford Branch. This has been a project that has taken many years to come to fruition,” Library Commission Chair Henry J. Mancini said. “It is an excellent example of multiple layers of government working together to provide this great public asset to the residents of Stafford Township and Ocean County. This cooperation included State, County and Local support and funding. We would like to thank all of those who came together and worked towards the completion and opening of this beautiful facility.”

“Ocean County would not be the County it is without our 21 library branches which provide invaluable resources to all of our residents,” said the Deputy Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners Jennifier Bacchione, who serves as liaison to the Ocean County Library. “We have the largest library system in the state for a reason, and it’s because we value the positive impact that libraries provide to our communities and our future. Thanks to the significant grant funding, this new Stafford Branch location is close to existing County government services located on the property and will provide all residents and visitors access to important programs and services.”

Stafford Branch hours will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.