The Township Council honored the system Tuesday in the midst of National Library Week.
The governing body unanimously offered a proclamation in support of the Brick branch during its regular public meeting.
"It's so important that the free public libraries... continue to exist today and benefit so many people," Councilman Dan Toth said.
Branch manager Susan Gardiner accepted the proclamation on behalf of the branch.
"I just want to... just tell you, the community, what an honor it is to serve you," she said.
National Library Week began Sunday and is celebrated through Saturday. The proclamation recognizes the designation in the township while encouraging "all citizens to take some time to visit the Brick Branch of the Ocean County Library during National Library Week to take advantage of the countless resources available there."
Councilman Domenick Brando reminisced on his college days when he wondered what role libraries would play as changing technologies altered how people receive information. But they're "as important as they've always been," Brando said.
They're also a bargain, Toth said.
"It's a very miniscule part of your tax bill for such a wonderful, comprehensive service."
