As thousands conduct business in downtown Toms River every day, there's a hidden secret that many pass by without realizing that a hot drink and a snack is only steps away.

Yes, just like the secret wizard corridor of Diagon Alley from Harry Potter lore, behind the walls of a 158-year-old church, the Toms River Branch of the Ocean County Library holds a secret that many may not know about.

Just steps off of Washington Street, the historic Old Presbyterian Church has been standing above the town since the building was completed in 1858.

Through numerous upgrades, renovations, and the occasional natural disaster (yes, Back to the Future fans, the clock tower was even struck by lightning in 1999!), the building evolved from a house of worship to a place to recharge your batteries, as the current sign signifies:

Photo by Justin Louis
Photo by Justin Louis
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Walk through the doors, and you may see something even more surprising. It's not just a coffee shop, but a full service Dunkin' Donuts!

Photo by Justin Louis
Photo by Justin Louis
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And, if you're like me and you've been procrastinating on your holiday shopping, you can step through the doors of Washington Street's oldest church and grab a Dunkin' Coffee Card, which will get you (or the lucky person whose stocking you're stuffing) 5 large hot coffees or teas for $10.

Of course you don't have to stop into the Ocean County Library's Dunkin' for that, you can get it at any Ocean County Dunkin' Donuts.

So next time you're doing business, going to class, or just visiting downtown Toms River and you need that afternoon pick me up, it's as close as the historic stained glass windows and soaring steeple of this beautiful 158 year old building!

 

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