See Guinness Hopeful’s Keychain Collection at the Ocean County Library Berkeley Branch

BERKELEY TOWNSHIP – How many keychains would you guess that you’ve had in a lifetime? Each one is a memento of a place, a time or an experience. Jacqueline Ann Rodmell has set her sights on building the world’s largest keychain collection. See her lively 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. I have 1,513 keychains. The [record holder, Angel Alvarez Cornejo of Spain} 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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