The grant, totaling $1,000, will help the library facilitate an upcoming exhibit entitled "Alexander Hamilton: The Man Who Made Modern America." The exhibit will tour just 40 libraries nationwide between September 2005 and March 2009. Because a tour itinerary has not been released, an exact date for the Ocean County Library exhibit will be announced in the future.

"This grant will help Ocean County residents keep in touch with American history," Saxton said. "The funding will make it possible for Ocean County to host this educational exhibit."

The Alexander Hamilton exhibit, based on a major exhibit at the New York Historical Society from September 10, 2004 to February 28, 2005, consists of six colorful, free-standing, 18-foot-long photo panels. Each panel highlights a different period of Hamilton's life. Viewers will be able to learn about everything from Hamilton's childhood, to his role as a leading revolutionary; from his position as the nation's first Secretary of the Treasury to the infamous duel with Aaron Burr.

The exhibit will make a six-week stop in each of the 40 selected libraries. It highlights Hamilton's impact on the economic, constitutional, social, journalistic, political, and foreign policy templates of modern society. The exhibit in Ocean County will be offered free to the public.

"Ocean County has an outstanding library system," Saxton said. "It is fitting that this impressive exhibit, which goes to only 40 libraries nationwide, will make a stop right in Toms River."