The suspects broke into and ransacked the Ventnor branch of the Atlantic County library system sometime between 5:00 p.m. Saturday and Monday morning.
Books have been thrown everywhere, arts and crafts material strewn about and - even more costly - computers and monitors are smashed along with a flat screen TV.
Workers tried to straighten up, but thousands of dollars in damage to the facility on Atlantic Avenue has been done.
"It looks like they went in with the intention of causing damage to the inside of the library, not so much to commit any type of theft inside," said Capt. Michael Miller of the Ventnor Police Dept.
The library is a gem, especially for older residents like Rose Manzini. She was returning a book on Monday when she got the news.
"I think it's terrible, I think it's really a shame. It's probably young kids who don't have anything else to do," said Manzini.
Priscilla Matuson was also disappointed that anyone would do this.
"We supplement education. The girls love to read and they love to check out their own books. They were so excited to have their own library card for the first time," Mantuson said.
"Especially given the fact that it probably happened on September 11th, when the country should be coming together, is a pretty lousy thing," said Capt. Miller.
The library will be closed at least until Wednesday. Anyone with information should call Ventnor Police at (609) 822-2101.
