Point Pleasant Beach Branch Library

HOURS

Mon 10-5

Tue 1-9

Wed 10-5

Thu 10-5* (*Thursday hours are 10-9 from May through September)

Fri 1-5

Sat 10-1

Sun Closed

HISTORY

In the early 1890s Phoebe Curtis and Emily D. Wood saw a need for a library in Point Pleasant Beach. These two women, and a group of friends, established a library, which opened in July 1894. The library was located in a series of vacant stores until 1897. Mrs. Wood donated $500 and Mrs. Curtis gave a piece of land on Mclean Avenue. A one room cottage, heated by a fireplace, was built to house the library. That same year, the founders petitioned the Point Pleasant Beach Borough for funds, and were granted an annual appropriation of $100.

Hours and use increased, and in 1922 a small room was added. In 1924, the Ocean County Library was established, and most of the municipalities began paying the dedicated tax to support it. As an association library, Point Pleasant Beach Library participated in the new system. A children’s room was the next addition. By 1960, increased circulation made yet another addition necessary. Fundraising provided the money for a room to house the stacks, which was opened in 1961. On January 1st, 1968, the Point Pleasant Beach Library became a branch of the Ocean County Library, which has provided staffing and materials since, while the building has remained the property the Point Pleasant Beach Library Association. The most recent expansion took place in 1998, with the addition of a meeting room at the rear of the building. This room is regularly used for various programs, presentations, community events, and as a quiet place for community members to study, read, or relax.