Explore History Of LBI Through Beach Badges At Library

SURF CITY, NJ — It seems that beach badges, a staple of a Jersey Shore summer vacation, are a thing of the past, with many municipalities switching to digital only tags. But the physical badges do more than just let you on the beach - they serve as a tangible reminder of days spent lounging in the sun.

You can explore the history of Long Beach Island through beach badges at the Ocean County Library Long Beach Island Branch on display through July.

Bob Kugel, author of the Benjamin Franklin Book Award-winning "55 Years of Long Beach Island Beach Badges 1967-2022," has a passion for beach badges, and his extensive collection, gathered during his many years on the Island, can be viewed in the Branch’s lobby display case throughout July.

Join Kugel for a look at LBI's past at the library on July 17 at 2 p.m.

The colorful, photo-filled "55 Years" published by West Creek-based Down The Shore Publishing in 2023 depicts the evolution of beach badges in LBI's six communities with histories, fun facts and a sampling of daily, weekly, senior, holiday and specialty issues. Copies are available throughout the OCL system and all of the Long Beach Island Library's copies are signed. Kugel chronicles daily LBI life on Facebook.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/OclLbiBadg... for this free program. For more information, stop by the OCL Long Beach Island Branch, 217 South Central Avenue, Surf City, call (609) 494-2480 or visit https://theoceancountylibrary.org/events.