Community Corner

Oceanport Library Reopens For First Time Since Sandy

The library was badly flooded by Hurricane Sandy last year.

By Christopher Sheldon

After Losing almost 18,000 items to floodwaters and mold caused by Hurricane Sandy, the Oceanport Library has been reopened to the public. 

Monmouth County Freeholder Lillian Burry attended the branch's reopening on Monday and said FEMA told the Monmouth County Library that all the library's books, DVDs and audibooks had to be replaced.

"Eight months ago this was a disaster and nobody knew if it would open again," Burry said. "I'm so proud of the wonderful citizen and community spirit in Oceanport that helped bring the library back."

Oceanport Library Association President Linda Risden said she spent months looking for furniture to replace the shelves, tables and chairs destroyed by Sandy. She said some of the furniture was donated and others were purchased.

The library now has a new circulation desk, shelving and the entire room has been cleaned and repainted.

The Monmouth County Library received an insurance settlement of $283,704 to restore the collection of library materials at the Oceanport Branch in March. The funds were used to order new books, periodicals, DVDs, and CDs to replace those lost in the storm. 

The branch began its usual hours this week and will be open from 1 to 5 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. It will also be open from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays, and 9 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays. 


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here