Bay Head Express

In the 1970s, the Bay Head Library operated as a small stand-alone library and was located in a trailer near the Bay Head Fire Company on Bridge Avenue. It had a small budget and the only books were donated by members of the community. In 1980, the elementary school and library were brought together in a new building owned and maintained by the Borough of Bay Head. The library benefited with additional services from the Ocean County Library system, primarily books on request, and was staffed by Sue Robertson. Her husband William was Mayor of Bay Head at that time. In January 1991, the Bay Head library officially joined the Ocean County Library system as a limited service reading center.

With access to the system wide collection, the community has continued to enjoy expanded library service including materials and technology previously unavailable. The library occupies the same building today, 34 years later. The Reading Center enjoys support from the Bay Head Beautification Committee. Committee member Betty Holmes installed two colorful window boxes under the front windows of the Reading Center and continues to fill them each year. The Committee also provided native shrubs to beautify beds bordering the building.

Extensive damage occurred when Hurricane Sandy hit our coastline on October 29, 2012. The Bay Head Reading Center was closed for repairs for seven months. A lovely Grand Reopening Ceremony was held on Saturday, June 1, 2013, when much of the community came out to see the beautifully redesigned library and to joyously be reunited with the local staff they have come to know so well over the years. On-site supervisor Virginia Berkman is joined by Sally Van Duyne and Patricia Gates to offer personal service in this neighborhood branch. The close relationships between customers and staff in this Reading Center are evident and make it a truly special place.