Planned Ocean County Library branch in Stafford to be completed in January

Erik Larsen, Asbury Park Press
·1 min read
A rendering of the planned Stafford branch of the Ocean County Library, which is under construction at the corner of Routes 9 and 72, with completion expected in January 2025.
A rendering of the planned Stafford branch of the Ocean County Library, which is under construction at the corner of Routes 9 and 72, with completion expected in January 2025.

STAFFORD - Two years after the Ocean County Board of Commissioners voted to approve a new $11.5 million county public library in the township, the “project is on budget and on schedule” and is scheduled to open early next year, according to the panel.

The building — under construction on the grounds of the county’s Southern Service Center at the Routes 9 and 72 interchange — will be 19,700-square feet upon completion, about 65% bigger than the existing library branch less than a mile north of the new site Route 9.

Stafford’s new public library is being constructed next to the Ocean County Southern Service Center at the southeast corner of Routes 9 and 72. The frame of the building is seen here in the background of the photo.
Stafford’s new public library is being constructed next to the Ocean County Southern Service Center at the southeast corner of Routes 9 and 72. The frame of the building is seen here in the background of the photo.

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The new branch complex is to provide:

  • state-of-the-art technologies;

  • public computers;

  • shelves for up to 50% more books than current capacity;

  • larger areas for children’s programs;

  • intergenerational space for senior citizens;

  • new area for teens;

  • study rooms;

  • a makerspace (also known as “hackerspace” or a “hacklab,” which is an area where the public can work on physical projects); and

  • sensory space (a psychologically soothing environment where the public can access interactive tools that are visually stimulating and have tactile properties.

The project is being funded — in part — by a $4.8 million grant from the New Jersey Library Construction Bond Act, according to county officials.

Related news: Ocean County Justice Complex expansion to start after $75M contract awarded

Newport Construction Management in Pennsauken was awarded the contract to build the library at a construction cost alone of $9.48 million. The architect for the project is Yezzi Associates of Toms River.

An artist’s renderings of the new Stafford branch of the Ocean County Library in relation to the location of the existing Ocean County Southern Service Center. The new library complex is under construction and expected to open early next year.
An artist’s renderings of the new Stafford branch of the Ocean County Library in relation to the location of the existing Ocean County Southern Service Center. The new library complex is under construction and expected to open early next year.

Groundbreaking on the new library took place last June and construction is expected to be completed next January.

The project is a partnership between the county and township government in Stafford.

Contact Asbury Park Press reporter Erik Larsen at elarsen@gannettnj.com.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: New Ocean County NJ Library branch to be completed in January 2025

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