A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS: A crowd gathers at the entrance of the new Stafford library branch ahead of the ribbon cutting ceremony on Oct. 5.  (Photo by Ryan Morrill)

As customers entered the new Stafford branch of the Ocean County Library Monday morning, Oct. 5, their faces were filled with amazement. It was the spaciousness that really caught their attention.

“I can’t believe how roomy it is,” said regular library user Joyce Ecochard. “It is so bright and beautiful, and the chairs are so comfortable.”