Resident asks council to restore beach toy library after safety committee removed it

A Somers Point resident told the council the volunteer-run “beach toy library” was removed after the city’s safety committee raised concerns about items such as life jackets and flotation devices. The resident said she received only one prior notice during an 11‑month period and later received a 72‑hour removal notice; she removed the library and stored the materials on personal property.

The resident said she is willing to work with the city and offered a roster of volunteers and a supply of replacement toys stored in a personal shed. She asked the council to work with the recreation and safety committees to develop a plan that would allow the library to return to the beach without cost to the city while addressing safety committee requirements.

A council member asked the resident to share written information and contact details and said they would take the matter to the safety committee and the recreation board, offering to work toward a workable plan over the next two weeks.

No formal action was taken; the council directed staff and the appropriate committees to review safety concerns and to consider a plan for reinstating the library if safety standards can be met.