It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic President Garfield Memorial gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Long Branch, NJ is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I just started using always best care for my dad The certified aids that came from”
“Such an amazing company with employees who truly care about their business and those they”
“It is a pleasure to work for someone that genuinely respects caregivers for the job”
“I am a current client of this provider I can’t begin to tell to you how”
“I cannot thank Always Best Care enough for helping us find an ideal Assisted Living”
“I am a current client of this provider Your manager is always nice and flexible, and”
“I am a current client of this provider We are very happy with Always Best Care.”
“I am a current client of this provider We have hired Always Best Care. We have”
“I am a current client of this provider We hired Always Best Care two weeks ago”
“I just started using always best care for my dad The certified aids that came from the agency were fantastic This situation is new for myself and my dad For having no complaints from my dad is a plus So ty again for such an easy transition for my dad Much appreciated Susan”
“Such an amazing company with employees who truly care about their business and those they take care of. Caretakers are top notch and customer service is great and they are available whenever you need them.”
“It is a pleasure to work for someone that genuinely respects caregivers for the job we do!”
“I am a current client of this provider I can’t begin to tell to you how pleased I am with Always Best Care. Not only have they placed the perfect caregiver with my mother they also take care of the billing and when I need to speak to a receptionist they are always available. Thank you!!”
“I cannot thank Always Best Care enough for helping us find an ideal Assisted Living Facility for my mother. We moved to the city a month ago and had little idea about the local senior living communities. I’d like to thank the highly experienced and knowledgeable caregivers of Always Best Care for helping our family during the difficult time.”
“I am a current client of this provider Your manager is always nice and flexible, and the caregivers are sweet and wonderful”
“I am a current client of this provider We are very happy with Always Best Care. They do 24hr care, and the caregiver is excellent. I would recommend them.”
“I am a current client of this provider We have hired Always Best Care. We have them for 5 to 6 weeks now. My mother practically does everything herself, but sometimes they might fix her her lunch, there might be a little bit of shopping, and they take her to her appointment. My mother is fine. The hours are fine. She got the hours that she requested. I know she is being billed on her credit card. They have been very helpful and very cooperative. The women always call back.”
“I am a current client of this provider We hired Always Best Care two weeks ago for my mom. The woman comes in three days a week to assist my mother with doing the wash, keeping the house picked up, and just talking to her. She’s wonderful. We interviewed several people, and there was just something about the way they were organized in their presentation and their follow up. that impressed us. They were a level above the other ones that we spoke to. They really listen to you about your needs and work very hard to match the caregiver up with what you’re looking for. We were very impressed with them.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Jerry Morgan Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Rooney's Oceanfront Restaurant or visit Seven Presidents Memorial, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Long Branch, NJ, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Long Branch, NJ understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Long Branch, NJ 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Monmouth Beach, Oceanport, Sea Bright and West Long Branch residents will be asked if they approve raising taxes to pay for school upgrades:Carly Baldwin, Patch Staff|Updated Mon, Mar 10, 2025 at 2:14 pm ETWhat the new STEAM lab could look like if the bond referendum passes. (Shore Regional High School)What the new media center could look like if the bond referendum passes. (Shore Regional High School)WE...
Carly Baldwin, Patch Staff
|Updated Mon, Mar 10, 2025 at 2:14 pm ET
What the new STEAM lab could look like if the bond referendum passes. (Shore Regional High School)
What the new media center could look like if the bond referendum passes. (Shore Regional High School)
WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ — Here is a reminder that this Tuesday, residents in Monmouth Beach, Oceanport, Sea Bright and West Long Branch will be asked if they approve raising taxes to pay for a series of big improvements to Shore Regional High School.
Shore Regional is asking voters to approve passing a $51-million bond (borrowing the money) to make improvements to the high school building and facilities. (School districts borrow money to fund capital projects such as this one by issuing bonds.)
If voters approve the referendum Tuesday, the state of New Jersey will also contribute approximately $14 million in state aid to help fund the work.
The estimated average tax increase by town is:
The original Shore Regional High School building was built in the early 1960s, and the school district said it will spend the $51-million bond on:
This website from Shore Regional lists all the projects that will be funded, and has renderings of what the new cafeteria, the new auxiliary gym, the new STEAM lab and the new media center will look like: https://sites.google.com/vote....
Shore Regional High School pulls students from four towns: Monmouth Beach, Oceanport, Sea Bright and West Long Branch, where the school is located.
Hear Shore Regional school board vice president Kara Burke-Manna talk about why she's voting "yes" on Tuesday to fund the upgrades:
And hear from Shore Regional High School Principal Vincent DalliCardillo: "Right now, our wrestlers practice in the cafeteria," he said.
Prior: Shore Regional Asks Voters To Approve $51Million Bond On March 11 (Feb. 14)
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Jetty, the East Coast-based, surf-inspired apparel brand with a growing presence in the outdoor and active lifestyle markets, is proud to announce it will open its newest retail location this May in Long Branch, New Jersey. The core surf shop will be centrally located in Pier Village, one of the most dynamic and successful mixed-use retail developments on the New Jersey coastline featuring ...
Jetty, the East Coast-based, surf-inspired apparel brand with a growing presence in the outdoor and active lifestyle markets, is proud to announce it will open its newest retail location this May in Long Branch, New Jersey. The core surf shop will be centrally located in Pier Village, one of the most dynamic and successful mixed-use retail developments on the New Jersey coastline featuring an eclectic mix of shopping, dining, year-round entertainment, and oceanfront condominiums.
Jetty was founded in 2003 by five friends seeking to draw their own line in the surf industry and beyond. It is a lifestyle brand born from passion, and it is proudly surfer-owned-and-operated.
Following the success of the Jetty Flagship Store in Manahawkin, New Jersey, opened in 2022, the upcoming retail space in Pier Village will showcase Jetty’s full collection of eco-minded apparel for men, women, and kids. The 3,384 square foot shop will also cater to the core surf crowd with a curated selection of surfboards and accessories from a variety of leading brands.
“We have been looking for the right New Jersey retail location to expand to for some time, and Pier Village checks all the boxes,” said John Clifford, Jetty Partner and Chief Brand Officer. “Retail real estate broker Gary Krauss, of Pierson Commercial Real Estate, along with his colleague Ryan Starkman, introduced us to the space and helped everything fall into place. The Pier Village site will allow us to reach a new customer base in a bustling seaside community that is steeped in surf history. Wherever Jetty goes, we want to make sure we do it right and create an authentic center for the surf community to rally around. Our apparel will fill the walls and racks exclusively, and the shop will feature some of New Jersey’s best surfboard shapers and a range of accessory brands that complement our product line and brand story.”
Community has always been a fundamental aspect of Jetty. When selecting the location for its newest shop, Pier Village was ideal due to its vibrant, year-round environment that will provide ample opportunity to engage with both locals and seasonal visitors. Additionally, its proximity to the Seven Presidents Park surf break in Long Branch will allow for surfing events and community-driven initiatives throughout all four seasons.
“We are beyond excited to bring Jetty to Long Branch,” said Dave Bachowski, Jetty Director of Retail. “Our new store is going to be all about celebrating and embracing surf culture, coastal living, and connecting with the community. Over the past three years we’ve watched our Flagship store in Manahawkin become a beloved gathering spot for surfers, locals, and tourists, all finding common ground within our brand and retail experience. We cannot wait to see this same energy flow through our Pier Village shop, making it a true coastal destination.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Jetty to Pier Village, where their passion for surf culture and community aligns perfectly with our vision for this dynamic beachfront destination,” continued Nicole Kushner Meyer, President of Kushner. “This addition enhances our retail mix, providing both locals and visitors with an authentic surf experience in the heart of Long Branch.”
With a target opening date of Memorial Day Weekend, Jetty’s new Long Branch store will be in Pier Village at 80 Ocean Avenue North, Long Branch, NJ 07740. For updates and info on grand opening festivities, please follow @TheJettyLife and @JettyLongBranch on Instagram.
ABOUT JETTY
Established in 2003, Jetty was founded on a shared love of surfing, fishing, art, travel, and music and a desire to draw its own line. Now in its 23rd year of business and a Certified B Corp, Jetty continues to offer eco-minded, durable apparel for men and women that embodies the fickle conditions of Northeast coastal living and encourages outdoor adventure despite the weather. Through its non-profit division, Jetty Rock Foundation, over the past decade more than $2.5 million has been donated to protect our oceans and waterways, and support those who build their lives around them. Learn more at www.JettyLife.com and follow along on Instagram @TheJettyLife.
ABOUT PIER VILLAGE
Situated along the beaches of Long Branch, NJ, Pier Village is an award-winning mixed-use beachfront community that captures the vibrant spirit of the Jersey Shore. This dynamic oceanfront destination offers 500 luxury rental apartments with two hotels, The Wave Resort and The Bungalow Hotel, providing exceptional stays for visitors and residents alike. With an eclectic mix of 145,000 square feet of shops, restaurants, wellness experiences, and year-round entertainment, Pier Village is the perfect place for those seeking both an active lifestyle and a home by the sea. Learn more at www.PierVillage.com and follow along on Instagram @PierVillageLongBranch.
ABOUT PIERSON COMMERCIAL
Pierson Commercial is a market leading New Jersey commercial retail real estate brokerage and advisory service provider representing national and regional retail tenants, institutional property holders, and multi-faceted retail developers with their acquisition, disposition, and leasing services throughout New Jersey. Learn more at www.piersonre.com.
LONG BRANCH -- Kushner Cos.' new high-rise planned for the beachfront, called Wave Condominiums, received final site plan approval Tuesday from the city's planning board.The condos are a pivot from Kushner's previously approved plan to build another resort hotel at ocean. The hotel would have been Kushner's third at the city's beachfr...
LONG BRANCH -- Kushner Cos.' new high-rise planned for the beachfront, called Wave Condominiums, received final site plan approval Tuesday from the city's planning board.
The condos are a pivot from Kushner's previously approved plan to build another resort hotel at ocean. The hotel would have been Kushner's third at the city's beachfront to go with the Wave Resort and the Bungalow Hotel, both located at its Pier Village properties, which is a mix of boutique shops, restaurants and apartments at the ocean.
However, Kushner Cos. said it found the hotel plan no longer feasible and went back to the city with a revised plan for luxury condos earlier this year and was granted a redeveloper's agreement with the city that included no tax exemptions.
In the financial arrangement, the city will receive $750,000 in redevelopment fees from Kushner Cos., which Mayor John Pallone said will be put to use in future city recreation projects, and future tax ratables in luxury condos.
The approved plan is for 46 condos in a step-like building with a peak height of eight stories, and two lower buildings of six and five floors built on top of a raised parking deck. Amenities for future condo owners include a roof-top pool on the lowest deck and lounge areas with interspersed landscaping.
Construction is still many months out, as the plan still needs to be memorialized by way of a resolution by the city council and Kushner Cos. needs to obtain the necessary permits, such as a state Coastal Area Facility Review Act permit, or CAFRA, for building at the beach.
Kushner Cos. started down the road to building a hotel at the corner of Morris and Ocean avenues, just to the south of Pier Village in 2017, when it began to assemble the nearly two-acre property, which would require four land purchases totaling approximately $11.5 million in cost. The land included three private homes at a 1950s-era hotel, which Kushner Cos. then leveled.
In 2018, Kushner Cos. received board approval to build a seven-story, 107 room oceanfront hotel. The next year it entered into a redeveloper's agreement to build the hotel.
A redeveloper's agreement, which establishes requirements such as design guidelines, is needed because the site is located in the Beachfront South Redevelopment Zone, one of the zones established in 1996 to revitalize the city's beachfront.
When Jersey Shore native Dan Radel is not reporting the news, you can find him in a college classroom where he is a history professor. Reach him at [email protected].
The Long Branch Public Library was built more than 100 years ago by Andrew Carnegie, and had endured significant flooding.Carly Baldwin, Patch StaffFrom the Feb. 20 ribbon cutting. (Long Branch Public Library)(Long Branch Public Library)LONG BRANCH, NJ — The Long Branch Free Public Library reopened its historic main library area last Thursday, Feb. 20.The main library section of the Long Branch Lib...
Carly Baldwin, Patch Staff
From the Feb. 20 ribbon cutting. (Long Branch Public Library)
(Long Branch Public Library)
LONG BRANCH, NJ — The Long Branch Free Public Library reopened its historic main library area last Thursday, Feb. 20.
The main library section of the Long Branch Library was completely renovated, made possible by a $6.2-million matching grant, funded from the New Jersey Library Construction Bond Act and the city of Long Branch.
The Long Branch Library is located at 328 Broadway, and Thursday's ribbon-cutting reopening was attended by hundreds of community members, local officials and library staff.
The Long Branch Public Library was built more than 100 years ago and had endured significant flooding, underscoring the urgent need for waterproofing and system upgrades.
The library traces its origins to a private reading room established in the 19th century. It was formally incorporated as a free public library in 1916 with a $30,000 grant from steelmagnate Andrew Carnegie, who dedicated the final decades of his life to funding public libraries across the United States and beyond.
During the renovation, the removal of a drop ceiling revealed long-hidden architectural details from the original Carnegie design. Library Director Tonya Garcia uncovered these forgotten elements, which had been concealed for decades.
The renovated space showcases both historical preservation and modern functionality. A striking ocean-themed arched glass entryway welcomes visitors, reflecting the library’s coastal setting and historic Carnegie design. The removal of drop ceilings has uncovered beautiful original windows, allowing natural light to flood the space.
The library now features energy-efficient lighting, a new three-zone HVAC system and extensive waterproofing. A new emergency generator ensures continuous service to the community. Additional spaces, including a Local History Room, Teen Room, Huddle Rooms for private study and a Sensory Room for children have also been added.
"We celebrated not just the cutting of a ribbon but the realization of a long-held vision," said library director Garcia Feb. 20. "Over thirteen years ago, we embarked on a journey to create a library that would stand among the best in the nation, and the completion of this project fulfills that vision. With its deep legacy and purpose, this library belongs to the people of Long Branch."
For more information, please contact the Library at 732-222-3900 or email [email protected]
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