The Friends of the Long Beach Island Branch of the Ocean County Library has prided itself on offering year-round programs and events. But once pandemic restrictions went into effect in March 2020, groups like the Friends have been mostly in a holding pattern.

“One of our regular activities was the monthly book sale,” said Ann Barkey, Friends president. “We’re still waiting for the library administration to allow us to resume it. The library still is not taking any book donations.”