Brookdale Community College and Long Branch Public Library Partner to Bring College Classes into the Community

New partnership expands access to Brookdale courses through convenient Long Branch location

Brookdale Community College and the Long Branch Public Library have entered into a new partnership to bring Brookdale classes directly into the Long Branch community, giving students another convenient place to pursue their educational goals.

Through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the Long Branch Public Library will provide space at no cost for Brookdale to offer scheduled college classes and related instructional activities at the Library, located at 328 Broadway in Long Branch. The agreement begins September 14, 2026, and continues through June 10, 2027.

The partnership reflects Brookdale’s ongoing commitment to expanding access to higher education and meeting students where they are. By offering classes within a familiar community setting, Brookdale can help make college more accessible for Long Branch residents and others in the surrounding area.

“Access is at the heart of the community college mission, and partnerships like this allow us to bring educational opportunities closer to the people and communities we serve,” said Brookdale Community College President David M. Stout, Ph.D.

Under the agreement, the Library will make available appropriate space for Brookdale classes based on class size, scheduling, and the Library’s operational needs. Brookdale and the Library will coordinate schedules in advance to ensure the spaces support both instruction and regular Library services.

The collaboration also highlights the important role public libraries and community colleges share as accessible centers for learning, personal growth, and opportunity.

“Brookdale Community College has long been an important part of the Long Branch community,” said Long Branch Free Public Library Director Tonya Garcia. “We are proud to provide a space where education can be more accessible to the people we serve. Public libraries are uniquely positioned to connect residents with resources that can strengthen their futures, and partnerships like this allow us to extend that impact. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to learning, access, and the continued growth and success of the Long Branch community.” 

The partnership is especially significant because it extends Brookdale’s presence beyond its traditional campus and regional locations, creating an additional community-based option for students who may benefit from taking classes closer to home.

“Removing barriers to education means thinking beyond the traditional classroom,” Stout added. “When educational institutions and community organizations work together, we can create opportunities that are more accessible, convenient and responsive to the needs of our residents.”

Information about the Brookdale courses to be offered at the Long Branch Public Library, including schedules and registration details, will be available through Brookdale Community College and by contacting Melissa Borre, director of Adult & Youth Literacy.

About Brookdale Community College
Brookdale Community College, located in Lincroft, New Jersey, provides high-quality, affordable educational opportunities to students throughout Monmouth County and beyond. With more than 68 degree and academic pathway options, Brookdale prepares students to transfer to four-year institutions, enter the workforce, advance their careers, and pursue lifelong learning opportunities.

About Long Branch Free Public Library
The Long Branch Free Public Library has served as a cornerstone of the Long Branch community for over 100 years and is a nationally recognized and trusted institution. With its Main Library and Elberon Branch, the Library provides residents of all ages with access to books, digital resources, educational programs, and opportunities for lifelong learning.