Keychains from Far & Wide on Display at the Ocean County Library Berkeley Branch

BERKELEY TOWNSHIP – How many keychains would you guess that you’ve had in a lifetime? Each one speaks of a place, a time and an experience. Jacqueline Ann Rodmell’s collection is filled with such touchstones. She has now set her sights on buidling the world’s largest keychain collection. See samples of her extensive array throughout the month of September at the Ocean County Library Berkeley Branch.

The Lacey Township resident’s infectious enthusiasm brings stature to the small accessories. “I started collecting keychains when I was seven years old,” she recalled. “My parents liked to travel, so I would get one everywhere we would go. Then family and friends would give me some, too.”

Jacqueline found that keychains are more than handy devices. They’re colorful gateways to floods of good memories.

“I would get them at flea markets and stores and now it is a huge collection,” she said. “I am trying to get into the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest collection. I have 1,513 keychains. The [record holder] has 62,275. My collection…is the best because I collect a wide variety – games, places, characters, brands. It’s unique.”

Jacqueline realizes that she has considerable ground to cover to challenge the record. She’ll gladly accept donations “if you’re looking to give away keychains or don’t need them anymore.” She can be reached through Facebook at Jackie’s Keychain Quest. 

“Keychains” by Jacqueline Ann Rodmell is free and open to the public during normal Branch operating hours. For more information, stop by the OCL Berkeley Branch, 30 Station Road, Bayville, visit https://theoceancountylibrary.org/events or call (732) 269-2144.

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