I wear beats studio 3 noise cancelling headphones while I study and can often times hear the staff yelling downstairs. This of course happens when i listen to lighter stuff like classical but I shouldnt have to turn on loud music just to drown out the laughter and super loud talking from staff down stairs. I heard the manager("big" white woman with black hair and glasses) bad mouth a patron as well. This is not the best branch to go to if you want to study. Some of the staff at the front desk on the first floor are a bit brash as well. read more

Very helpful, a book I asked about wasn't vin stock but a librarian helped me set up Hoopla so I could download the book which was very easy. It was a book in a series so it was a book I looked forward to reading and with an ebook app, it happened. read more

Nasty unfriendly staff. Never greet you never even look up when you approach the desk. They just seem miserable. And if you work in the children's department would it kill you to smile and acknowledge the kids? read more

I'm an adult user of libraries and the Brick Branch is quite large, so this review only speaks to my experience in the upstairs study area. This second floor space needs to be reconfigured for "quiet zones" better suitable for concentration. There is a large open area in the center with both tables and chairs with attached desk tops (not very good for using laptops, but perhaps for schoolwork.) However, on my three (summertime) visits the majority of the tables were being used by tutors working with children on reading and math skills, and they were understandably loud. There seemed to be a number of areas downstairs suitable for this activity, so I'm guessing that many tutors make use of the library and overflow moves upstairs. This is the main reason why I found the library practically unusable. Another inconvenience is the lack of outlets. Only one table out of four has an accessible outlet, and three rows of chair desks have none. If using a laptop, you won't be able to charge. I did see rows of computers, but again not very helpful if you have your own laptop, and there are no dividers between you and the person sitting next to you. Finally, there is a reference desk behind you, but I found the conversation there less of a distraction than the children. (who were just being children, of course). I'm pretty good at tuning distractions out, but found the level of noise - particularly for a library - to be a deal breaker. Brick is a very large township, with a substantial school district, but the needs of all people should be considered. My suggestion would be to move the stacks to the middle of the room and create spaces on either side - one that caters to "noisy" activity, and the other side for people wishing to work - or read - in quiet. read more

Brick Branch Ocean County Library - Upstairs study area. - Libraries Near Me - Brick, New Jersey

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This library has a great selection of books, audio books, cds and videos for all ages. Before COVID they always had a great variety of programs for both children and adults, and hopefully will be able to resume them soon. The children's section does tend to get noisy at times, but there are quiet rooms upstairs if you need absolute silence. The staff is friendly and helpful. As for the person complaining about having to wear a mask the staff was just following the Governor's mandate. I was there today and there were people without masks and that was fine. I'm a senior and a former librarian so I realize libraries aren't the quiet places they used to be but I'm always thrilled to see people of all ages enjoying the library. read more

I visited today there are more staff than consumers. They are all bunched together yelling talking and a day before all masks come off still bring obnoxious about the masks. I would never come here again. read more

The staffs are one of the many problems. they all talk too loud, giggle and distracts people that are studying. there is only one study area upstairs and you would think the staff would know to respect people that are sitting quietly studying, but NO, they just stand in the middle and have their stupid talk show there. ugh!!. I am being generous with one star. read more

I have used public libraries for over 60 yrs. I have never felt so unwelcomed as I do at the Brick Branch of the Ocean County Library. There are seldom enough books for the Friday Readers' group and some of the women behind the main circulation desks are sometimes rude. I had a most unpleasant "discussion" with a daytime supervisor. After I asked if there guidelines for facilitating Readers' Club, she turn the conversation on me--questioning me about why I didn't volunteer to faciliate, repeating incorrectly what I said, berating me in public at the circulation desk---very unprofessional. I was completely unnerved. A patron stopped me in the parking lot to let me know how rude the supervisor was to me. What is wrong with this picture of a PUBLIC Library??? read more

Not a vast selection is general, but coupled with the other branches of the Ocean Co. library system this one is the one I use. Staff is pretty friendly and parking has never been a problem. Online access is not super intuitive but I'm hoping for the next version. Bathrooms always clean. I live in Howell, Monmouth County and there is a stamp on my Monmouth County card that allows me access to the Ocean Co, system. Very convenient since I live on the border of the two counties. I mainly hit the Brick Twp branch and sometimes the Howell branch. I have not yet tried borrowing ebooks yet... read more

I'm in my car SO often! Even if it's just around town.... But books on cd have become my favorite new discovery! I've never been a voracious reader although j aspired to be lol I am now reading classics like Little Women and Great Expectations with new eyes (ears) and books I don't make the time for like Girl On a Train! I even read the Tao of Pooh which is always held a curiosity about but knew I would never pick up! Even when I listen to the CDs I sometimes realize how quickly I would have put down the book even now..... I should also mention I never walk in without renting a movie! Haha! They have tons of tv series and the newest releases for FREE! Just have to be returned more quickly than a book but that's fine, I love trips to the library! ;) read more

I am a big time reader and come into this library ALOT! Every time I come in, it is a new and pleasant experience. When you walk in the door and see everyone smiling and greeting you into the library, you truly feel welcome. Excellent place to get school work done and research for projects. I currently go to Ocean County College and I still choose this library over the one at my campus. read more

They really need to work on the atmosphere here. There is no good place to study that is quiet. The study areas all surround the computer lab, which is typically filled with people collaborating on projects (talking) or learning how to use a computer for the first time and getting loud instruction from a member of the staff. The reference desk is also in the same area, which shouldn't be a problem as one would assume the staff would know to keep quiet, but there is one woman who works that desk who has no inside voice whatsoever. She shouts to people on the other side of the lab, speaks loudly to other staff members, and raises her voice regularly to avoid having to walk a few feet away to quietly speak with someone. Downstairs is crawling with children, as the kids and teen sections are on either side, so that's a no-go for studying. No one bothers to tell their children to be quiet at the library, or not to run. In the afternoon, sometimes teenagers hang out downstairs and talk, the sound of which unfortunately travels right up to the study area upstairs as the building design is such that one can look down to the first floor from the second around the perimeter (in other words, it's open). This library is sadly the prime example of a shift in library culture. All about entertainment and kids and computers, with little attention to serious intellectual pursuits. read more