Barnegat Township Library

Great library and fun events!

people working here seems like don't care about people who visit the library, specifically those on the front desk( which is even worse). I have come many times here and no one said hi. even When I return a book. they only speak to you when is absolutely obvious that you need something.

It's been a while since I visited a county library. My 6 year old was part of a group that visited and checked out material. I was surprised how much noise they made - and was expecting to hear shhhushes.. staff was attentive, and my 6 year old son found his desired books and dvds.

I am a retired teacher that lives in Barnegat and have always loved going to the Barnegat Library. Today, I decided to introduce my 2 year old granddaughter to the library and let her pick out books for the first time. She was excited and chose a book before running to the colorful table for toddlers. She just wanted to sit at the kid table. Then a worker said, “Don’t climb on the chairs.” I asked, “She is not allowed to sit?” The lady just walked away. There was no sign on any table that you were not allowed to sit. I picked 3 books out and I went to checkout. Two people were behind the counter talking with a sign to checkout yourself. I was having difficulty trying to figure out how to use the self checkout and also holding the hand of my granddaughter to keep her near me. Another patron had to help me. Not a librarian. It was not right. There was another person behind me that also did not know how to do the self checkout and it was clear that the workers behind the desk could hear us. The lady that was kind enough to help us joked that she was going to get a job there. A disappointing experience with my 2 year old granddaughter’s first trip to the library. I can’t understand why the library did not offer checkout with the library workers there to do it when they clearly were sitting there. There was a line with people needing assistance, yet not one person working at the library offered assistance. It should be an option to use the kiosk or to have the front desk workers checkout books. I will continue to use the library; I am hoping things get back to normal soon. The front desk does have plexiglass and people are vaccinated.

From the parking lot to the restrooms the entire facility is ALWAYS immaculate. You effortlessly step foot in through the automatic sliding glass doors straight into a smile & a 'how you doing' from one of the many delightful clerks. The ENTiRE staff is very friendly, eager to help & answers any & all of mine or my kids' inquiries. NEVER too crowded which is how i like it , ALWAYS multiple computers open & available for immediate use. One last thing, they are a VERY family friendly library as well. NEVER a complaint or "dirty look" when i have my 3 young children with me from ages 2 to 8 who seem to get even louder when their in the 'silent' library. Overall it is definitely my favorite library in ocean county, i frequent the library 2 - 3 times a week at least & will go out of my way to spend my time in such a pleasant atmosphere !