Rumson’s Oceanic library, a former post office, needs a new roof. (Photo by Susan Ericson. Click to enlarge)
By SUSAN ERICSON
The Seabright Lawn Tennis and Cricket Club in Rumson provided a verdant backdrop for the Oceanic Library’s Raise the Roof campaign Saturday night. A cocktail party with hors d’oeurves lured 250 or so attendees to place bids at a silent auction.
The antique building seemed an appropriate setting. Filled with trophies and photos dating back to the 1800s, it is a charming reminder of how an historic building can stand the test of time when cared for properly.
The building that the library occupies was originally a grocery store and later served as the town’s post office. In the late 1950s, the library moved from Second Street to its current location.
The Oceanic Library, on Avenue of the Two Rivers, hasn’t been as fortunate as the tennis club.
“The library roof leaks,” said Ann Rossbach, president of the library board. “It has been repaired multiple times, but never replaced.”
In addition to Rumson residents, the library serves patrons from other communities, Rossback said.
“Anyone can join, but there is no fee to those who have no library,” she said. “After Sandy, Sea Bright lost their library, so we welcomed them here.”