Reading never takes a vacation and the Ocean City Free Public Library is poised for its busiest time of the year.
Once school is out and studying gives way to sun, sand and surf, the Library remains a central gathering spot and community resource. Year-round residents, second homeowners and family vacationers all take advantage of OC’s favorite stop for bookworms, audiophiles and video aficionados.
There are also concerts, lectures and much more.
“We really are a community hub,” said Leslie Clarke, Assistant Library Director. “And it’s not just Ocean City. Because we have such a great collection and so many great programs we are getting people from Upper Township, Somers Point, Linwood, and Margate…we really are a magnet for the community.”
“We are ready for a great summer starting with our story times for toddlers and pre-schoolers and our reading clubs for children, young adults and adults,” Clarke said. “There is really something for everyone.”
Just as Ocean City’s population balloons during the summer months, so does the Library’s programming and participation.
“We have had over 100 (kids) at some of our children’s events and some of our adult offerings have drawn similar numbers,” Clarke said.
The Library’s calendar of events over the next two weeks reflects this with a wide array of options for readers young and old.
On Saturday, the Library will host a screening of the video “Ted” and a discussion from 11 a.m. to noon; and a Saturday Matinee movie will be shown at 2 p.m. until 4:30 in room N110.
The week of June 12 is packed with events as well with a “Learn to Play Bridge” event at 1 p.m. another “After School Movie” at 1 p.m. and a French Language Conversation Group session from 4 to 5p.m., all on the 13th. On the 14th there will be an AARP Safe Driving course from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and “After School Movies” at 1.
The 15th will see a continuation of the AARP Safe Driving Course, another “After School Movie at 1 p.m. and Game Night for Grownups from 5 to 8 p.m. The latter event encourages adults to bring their favorite card and board games for a group session. It’s an opportunity to play old favorites and learn new ones. On the 16th, the Creative Writing Sampler Workshop will continue from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and from noon to 4 p.m. a “Bloomsday Celebration” will be held.
The complete calendar of events can be found on the Library’s website. The site, http://www.oceancitylibrary.org also contains information on borrowing materials and a complete listing of activities, events and services.
Clarke is a veteran of the organization, having worked at the Library for 35 years.
“I have been there through a lot (of changes),” she said. “I have witnessed the Library grow from a very small space to a large, modern, cutting edge facility,” she said.
When pressed on her favorite feature of aspect of the Library, Leslie does not hesitate. “It has to be the Bookmobile,” she said. “It is a very good outreach program for us. We are able to reach low income people, senior citizens young kids and many others who might not (have the opportunity to visit the main Library building),” she said.
The Library is located inside the Ocean City Community Center (Suite 4) at 1735 Simpson Ave.
The regular Library hours are Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Library can be reached by phone at 609-399-2434.
