"Paltrobooks" Q&A: Hoboken Public Library Director Jennie Pu On Book Sanctuaries & More

Photo byHoboken Public Library Director Jennie Pu

Established under the NJ General Library Act of 1884, the Hoboken Free Library was reportedly the third library established under this act, following those of Paterson and Newark. 140 years later, the Hoboken Public Library still connects people with each other, ideas, and opportunities to support lifelong learning, personal growth, and community development.

On August 22, 2023, the Hoboken Public Library Board of Trustees voted unanimously to designate the Hoboken Public Library a book sanctuary. On September 6, 2023, the City of Hoboken became the first book sanctuary city in New Jersey. As of September 2024, 34 library systems and 4 municipalities in New Jersey are now reportedly book sanctuaries.

Leading the charge to help make the City of Hoboken a book sanctuary was Hoboken Public Library Director Jennie Pu, who was recently featured in two USA Today stories about book banning and book sanctuaries. I had the pleasure of speaking with Pu via Zoom, as embedded above and set to air via the Long Beach, New York-based Paltrocast With Darren Paltrowitz television series.

More on Pu and the Hoboken Public Library system can be found online by clicking here and here.