The Waretown Branch of the Ocean County Library has been indefinitely closed due to structural damage caused by a car hitting the east corner of the Main Street building on Friday afternoon.

Sgt. George Thompson of the Ocean Township Police Department said that Robert Silverman, 75, of Waretown, was attempting to park his vehicle at 2:30 p.m. when it accidentally lurched forward. Neither the driver nor anyone inside the library were hurt. Thompson said no charges were filed against Silverman.

Judy Macaluso, supervising librarian for branch services, said the library, which is open until 5 p.m. Fridays, was closed shortly after the accident.

“It will remain closed until further notice,” said Macaluso. “We have to make sure everything is structurally safe so that our employees and patrons can return to the building.” Macaluso said she is awaiting a report from the township construction inspection department.

At 4,566 square feet and with circulation of approximately 11,000 volumes, the branch is one of the county system’s smallest buildings. Chris Barnes, library system spokesman, said Waretown customers who have reserved materials would be able to pick them up at the Barnegat Branch.

“They’re certainly welcome to go to any of our other 21 branches for all of their library services,” he said. “The Barnegat and Lacey branches are the closest ones. The Waretown branch employees will be reassigned to other branches.”

Barnes said that people could call the main branch in Toms River at 732-349-6200, extension 5045, or log on to www.theoceancountylibrary.org for updates as to when the building will reopen.

— E.E.