MANCHESTER – Librarians, staff members and patrons of the township library recently celebrated a big anniversary at their Colonial Drive location.
The Manchester branch of the Ocean County Library officially opened its doors on April 21, 1990 and staff members proudly celebrated its 35th anniversary with a full day of events honoring the milestone and the community it serves.
Branch Manager Rachel Cantor welcomed Ocean County Library (OCL) Director Susan Quinn and Ocean County Commissioner Jennifer Bacchione to the special event held at the branch.
Cantor welcomed all the attendees and participated in the day’s events expressing her pride by the hardworking staff and “the wonderful patrons of the Manchester Branch.” She also expressed how much she loves working at the Manchester Branch, and what a difference her and her staff make for the residents of Manchester and the surrounding towns.
The celebration began with a warm welcome from Commissioner Bacchione who serves as OCL’s liaison to the Ocean County Board of Commissioners. Bacchione said afterwards that “it was a very nice event. They had 20 or more people there and everyone there was excited that it had been this long that the library had opened.”
It wouldn’t be a birthday party without a cake and the celebration of the Manchester branch of the Ocean County Library’s 35th year had a special one featuring the library system’s logo. (Photo courtesy Ocean County Library)
“Some of the staff had worked previously at other branches like Jackson and those who came in noted how convenient it was to have a library in Manchester and they really appreciate it. We have a huge senior population in Manchester and they have people there to help them with different projects and there is a community area where they can play games and cards. It was my first time in that branch and it is very warm and the staff is very friendly,” she added.
Director Quinn greeted attendees and expressed gratitude for the continued support of the library. “For over three decades, our Manchester Branch has stood as a beacon of knowledge, inclusion and community spirit. This milestone is not just a celebration of years passed, but of the countless stories written within these walls.”
“From children discovering their love of reading, to lifelong learners who continue to explore new horizons, the Manchester Branch has been the tie that binds these experiences together. We remain committed to evolving with the needs of our patrons while preserving the welcoming and inspiring environment that has defined the Manchester Branch for 35 years,” Quinn added.
Manchester’s Supervising Library Assistant, Rebecca Schoonmaker remarked that “for 35 years, our library has been a cornerstone of knowledge, imagination, and connection. Through our programs for all ages as well as our community partners, it’s a privilege to help carry forward a tradition of service that empowers our community every day.”
Guests were then treated to an interesting historical presentation by branch librarian Michael Mahoney, who took the audience on a journey through the rich past of Manchester, Whiting, and Lakehurst. His engaging talk highlighted the unique people and places that have shaped this section of Ocean County.
Following Mahoney’s presentation, attendees enjoyed refreshments while mingling and sharing memories of the library’s impact throughout the years.
A children’s craft notes the special occasion of the 35th anniversary of the Manchester branch of the Ocean County Library located on Colonial Drive. The event was marked with a big party featuring some special events that showcased the branch’s history. (Photo courtesy Ocean County Library)
The festivities continued with a lively performance by acclaimed local vocalist Pete Custode. With soulful renditions of timeless classics by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Elvis Presley, and Bobby Darin, Custode had the crowd singing along, dancing, and delighting in a nostalgic trip down memory lane.
Rounding out the day, the library’s children’s department hosted a drop-in craft activity where young patrons created colorful birthday cards and festive hats, adding a creative flair to the anniversary celebration.
Another anniversary is on the horizon. 2025 marks the library system’s centennial year which will be formally celebrated at a gala on September 19. “Dancing Through the Decades” will take place at the Toms River branch which serves as OCL’s headquarters. The gala will take place afterhours, and its organizers are promising it to be an unforgettable event with music, food, activities and plenty of dancing.
The next day, there be a system-wide birthday party at each of OCL’s 21 locations. Staff members from each location will host various programs, activities, and have balloons and cake to celebrate the library system’s centennial.
Local vocalist Pete Custode sings a classic Frank Sinatra song during the 35th Anniversary celebration of the Manchester Township Library. He also performed some classic Dean Martin, Elvis Presley, and Bobby Darin songs. (Photo courtesy Ocean County Library)
The milestone anniversary will feature a number activities including 100 prizes for 100 years contest; an in-person program at any Ocean County Library branch through September where they can receive a ticket to be entered into a monthly drawing for some amazing 100th Anniversary library swag items. Prizes will be drawn monthly until September 19.
Patrons of all ages will be able to take part and put their artistic talents to the test in OCL’s Design a Bookmark Contest.
The 100 Years of Ocean County Library: A Banner Exhibit will soon be unveiled. This historical depiction of Ocean County Library through the years will serve as an educational display for all ages to learn about OCL.
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