This hidden literary gem is called Bishop Hall. It was constructed in 1941 as the official Public Library of Toms River. The structure was constructed using the accrued assets of Nathaniel Bishop III, a local author and cranberry farmer. This quaint little piece of history has been the trademark library structure in Toms River until the Ocean County Library constructed the Dover Township Branch in 1976. With the opening of the Dover Township branch and the expansion of the Ocean County Library over the years, Bishop Hall was not being used as frequently. In 2009, the Bishop Building received a new renovation bringing life back into the old building and adding more history to Washington Street. This updated new space offers a sense of history and nostalgia for Toms River locals as it is used for special library events, meetings and office space for Ocean County Library.
