Oceanic Free Library

Oceanic Free Library Today the Oceanic Free Library is one of the state's only privately-funded public libraries. The library was a memorial gift to the residents of Rumson from Mr.

It continues as it did originally and remains wholly independent, supported by the generous donations of its patrons and the community. On December 1, 1920, the Oceanic Free Library opened its doors in a new brick building at the corner of River Road and Second Street. and Mrs. Eugene Meeker to honor their son, William Henry Meeker, who died in a World War I in an aviation training accident in Fra

nce during the summer of 1917. The newly incorporated Borough of Rumson was then just 13 years old with 1,680 residents. More than 200 residents signed on as charter members at a meeting called to determine whether a library would be welcome in Rumson. Residents voluntarily donated their time, property, expertise, money, and books to make this memorial library a reality. Recognizing its location in the town’s most populated district, the library was given the name, The Oceanic Free Library. On opening day, there were 2,000 donated books on the library's polished walnut shelves. M. Ester Bruce, the first librarian, recalled the children from nearby Lafayette Street School racing there after school to obtain their library cards. By 1959, demands on the library were great as the library served a growing population of 6,500 residents with a collection exceeding 14,000 volumes. The Trustees of the Oceanic Free Library then decided to relocate to the former Hintelmann’s grocery store and Post Office at the southeast corner of Ridge Road and Avenue of Two Rivers. The move took place October 26, 1959. The library gratefully receives support from the town of Rumson and the annual Community Appeal. However, private donations are still the main source of funding for the library.

Pop up camps at the library!
05/06/2026

Pop up camps at the library!

Sponsored by Rumson 250 America, the next speaker series at the library takes place on June 18th. All welcome!
05/06/2026

Sponsored by Rumson 250 America, the next speaker series at the library takes place on June 18th. All welcome!

05/06/2026
Register at the front desk for a library card to use our Bloomberg Terminal! Free to Rumson residents. Small fee for out...
05/06/2026

Register at the front desk for a library card to use our Bloomberg Terminal! Free to Rumson residents. Small fee for out of town cardholders. College students- get certificates this summer ! Reserve space on our website.

Teen Thrifting / Beginning Sewing class at the library!
04/30/2026

Teen Thrifting / Beginning Sewing class at the library!

Call to reserve a spot! This is a great activity for kids!
04/13/2026

Call to reserve a spot! This is a great activity for kids!

All welcome to this free lecture at the library sponsored by Rumson America 250!
04/08/2026

All welcome to this free lecture at the library sponsored by Rumson America 250!

A few spots left!!!
03/31/2026

A few spots left!!!

Registration is open!
03/18/2026

Registration is open!

Address

109 Avenue Of Two Rivers
Rumson, NJ
07760

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 2pm

Telephone

+17328422692

Website

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