Stafford Library Branch To Close Ahead Of New Building Opening

MANAHAWKIN, NJ — The Stafford Branch of the Ocean County Library at 129 North Main Street will close on May 1, 2026, as work continues toward the opening of a new Stafford Branch at 179 South Main Street in Manahawkin, next to the Ocean County Southern Service Center.

Patrons can use the current Stafford Branch through 9 p.m. on Thursday, April 30. The new branch is anticipated to open this summer and, according to the library, will include expanded collections, modern technology and enhanced community spaces.

The temporary closure will also change where Stafford patrons pick up library materials. Beginning May 1, all items being held for Stafford patrons will automatically be sent to the Barnegat Branch at 112 Burr St. Patrons who want a different pickup location may contact any Ocean County Library branch for help.

Library returns will also be affected before the building closes. Book drops at the Stafford Branch will remain open through Sunday, April 26, and will close beginning April 27. During that period, materials may be returned to the Barnegat Branch at 112 Burr St., the Long Beach Island Branch at 217 South Central Ave. in Surf City, or 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.”

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

The new South Main Street branch is anticipated to open this summer.