The Ocean City Free Public Library is much more than a place to check out a book.
From technology assistance and digital resources to concerts, wellness programs, children’s activities and quiet workspaces, the library has evolved into a community hub serving residents, seasonal visitors and families throughout the year.
“Libraries really have had to evolve to stay current with what libraries really are,” said Karen Mahar, director of the Ocean City Free Public Library. “They’ve really become community hubs.”
The library is part of a larger community center that also includes the senior center, fitness center, art center, and historical museum, as well as a cafe. Mahar said the combination allows visitors to find a variety of activities and services in one location.
“You could literally come here in the morning and stay till closing and have something to do and something to eat,” she said.
The library also provides space for students, remote workers, and visitors who need a quiet place to work. Its study areas are used by high school and college students, people preparing for exams, and those working remotely.
That need became particularly noticeable after the COVID-19 pandemic, when working from home became more common. Mahar said the library continues to see people use its quiet areas and study rooms, including visitors who need to work while vacationing in Ocean City.
While physical books remain an important part of the library, digital resources have become increasingly popular. Mahar said the library circulates about 240,000 physical items annually, in addition to significant use of its digital collections.
The library offers digital books and audiobooks through services such as Libby and Hoopla. Patrons can also access databases covering subjects including genealogy, investing and legal research.
Mahar said the library’s programming has expanded as it has responded to what the community wants.
“We’re here to serve you,” she said. “So we try things, and if they don’t work out or it’s not, you know, then we make a turn and try something else.”
Among the library’s offerings are wellness programs, craft activities, yoga, technology assistance and computer classes. Its Tech Drop-In program allows patrons to bring in devices such as phones, laptops and printers for assistance. The program has become popular enough that sessions can fill quickly.
The library also operates a computer center and offers classes covering topics such as using smartphones, Microsoft Word, social media, and much more.
For families, some of the library’s programs extend beyond its building. The Story Walk at Lake Memorial Park features pages from a children’s book displayed along a walking route, allowing families to read while exploring the park.
The library’s bookmobile also brings library services into the community, with stops at locations and events throughout Ocean City, such as the farmers market and back-to-school events.
Children’s programming remains a significant part of the library’s work. Programs range from activities for babies and young children to reading challenges, story hours and programs for young adults.
One early literacy challenge is A Thousand Books Before Kindergarten, which encourages families to read aloud to children from birth until they enter kindergarten. The program is self-paced, and each book read counts toward the 1,000-book goal.
“If you read one book 10 times, then it counts for 10 books,” Mahar said.
The library also offers programs for older children and teenagers, including crafts, movies, book clubs, murder mysteries and Dungeons & Dragons.
Family programming is particularly popular during the summer. Tuesday Family Nights can draw more than 100 people, Mahar said, while free concerts featuring different genres of music are popular with adults and visitors from surrounding communities.
Although Ocean City’s population changes significantly with the seasons, Mahar said the library’s programming remains strong throughout the year.
“We don’t really have a dramatic seasonal change in the types of programs offered,” she said. “It just kind of cycles.”
Summer does bring increased attendance, however, with visitors often taking advantage of the library during rainy days or when they are looking for activities away from the beach.
Mahar said one of the library’s strengths is its connection with the broader community, including its staff, volunteers, Friends of the Library group, city administration and local organizations.
“We all work well together,” she said, emphasizing the staff and volunteers being an extremely helpful resource.
The library’s role as a free and accessible community resource remains at the center of that work. Residents can obtain library cards to access physical and digital materials, while programs are open to the broader community.
For Mahar, the library’s value ultimately comes down to its ability to provide resources, programming, and a place for people to gather.
“We really are a community hub,” she said.
