(LAVALLETTE, NJ) -- Kids, moms and dads who awoke to a balmy, bright morning here on Friday, June 28, 2024 brought their sunny dispositions to the Ocean County Library Upper Shores Branch, where family warmth and community spirit marked its first-ever Summer Reading Kickoff.

The event that coincided with the onset of OCL’s 2024 Summer Reading Challenge drew an estimated 330 people, according to Branch Manager Sloane Boyce. The parking lot was filled with laughter, craft activities and borough first responders who familiarized visitors with their vehicles and gear.

“There were tons of families,” Sloane said. “The weather was perfect. We couldn’t have asked for anything better.”

Youngsters clambered around a Lavallette Fire Department truck and water rescue vehicle, Lavallette PD patrol car, an ambulance from Lavallette First Aid, and a rescue boat courtesy of the Lavallette Beach Patrol.

Kids received stickers for each vehicle they visited, then had turns to win prizes at the OCL Spin Wheel. They also created First Responder hats and wrote thank-you notes to police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians and lifeguards.

The Summer Reading Challenge through September 13 rewards readers of all ages who log and even review the items they’ve read, seen or listened to in OCL’s Beanstack app. Each branch will provide prizes for the busiest readers who log the most titles.

Keep up with Library programs and events at www.theoceancountylibrary.org, and on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Spotify, and Pinterest.