Tag Archives: Jersey City Public Library

Jersey City News

Jersey City Free Public Library to Host Glenn D. Cunningham Day Celebration

Jersey City Free Public Library is proud to bring the community together to honor the life and legacy of former Jersey City Mayor and State Senator Glenn D. Cunningham with a celebration of his birthday and the inaugural Glenn D. Cunningham Day.

 Wednesday, September 16, 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Glenn D. Cunningham Branch Library (275 Martin Luther King Drive)

This event will be hosted by former Jersey City Free Public Library Director Priscilla Gardner with guest speakers including the Honorable Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea, New Jersey Assemblyman Jerry Walker, New Jersey Assemblyman William Sampson, Councilman-at-Large Michael O. Griffin, Councilman-at-Large Rolando R. Lavarro Jr., and Ward F Councilman & Council President Pro Tempore, Frank “Educational” Gilmore.Contact: Nailah Andre
Jersey City Free Public Library
Communications Coordinator
Nandre@jclibrary.org


About Jersey City Free Public Library
The Jersey City Free Public Library (JCFPL) is the largest municipal library in the State of New Jersey, serving one of the most diverse cities in the country. The Library meets the needs of the community by providing a wide array of programming and resources, and access to a broad range of print, digital, and audiovisual collections. The Library has been a cornerstone of Jersey City’s growing and changing community for more than 120 years.
Jersey City News

JERSEY CITY FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY PARTNERS WITH LIBERTY STATE PARK TO LAUNCH YEARLONG CELEBRATION OF THE PARK’S 50TH

Jersey City Free Public Library (JCFPL) is honored to partner with Liberty State Park (LSP) as we begin a yearlong celebration leading up to the park’s 50th anniversary in June 2026. Like JCFPL, Liberty State Park is a beloved public institution where Jersey City residents can come together in a Welcoming Space, free of charge. At a time when truly public spaces are becoming increasingly rare, it’s more important than ever to support and uplift institutions like Liberty State Park and the Jersey City Free Public Library.

Jersey City Free Public Library Director Terry B. Hill reflects on the partnership, “Liberty State Park has been a pillar of history, nature, and public spaces in Jersey City for half a century. The Jersey City Free Public Library is proud to partner in commemorating this milestone and to continue creating meaningful experiences that connect our community to both places and opportunities. As accessible public spaces diminish, preserving and celebrating them is more vital than ever.”

One key connection between the Jersey City Free Public Library and Liberty State Park is their shared history with renowned local historian and author J. Owen Grundy. A Jersey City native, Grundy served as the city’s Official Historian from 1965 until he died in 1985, dedicating his life to historical and environmental preservation. He worked closely with Audrey Zapp, Theodore Conrad, and Morris Pesin in the movement to establish and protect Liberty State Park.

Grundy was also a frequent patron of the Jersey City Free Public Library, conducting much of his research at what is now the Priscilla Gardner Main Library. He played a central role in the development of the Jersey City Museum, which was originally housed on the library’s fourth floor, and was instrumental in laying the foundation for the New Jersey Room—JCFPL’s dedicated local history department that continues to serve the public today.

To commemorate Liberty State Park’s 50th Anniversary, JCFPL is releasing three limited-edition library cards featuring photos highlighting the iconic park’s beauty. One card features a picture of the U.S. Flag Plaza with eight American flags flowing in the wind and the Statue of Liberty in the backdrop. Another card features a stunning photo of the historic Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal. Lastly, the third card showcases the beautiful marshland at Caven Point. Each limited-edition card highlights what makes Liberty State Park so beautiful and unique.

Chris Ford, Superintendent of Liberty State Park, shared his enthusiasm for the collaboration with the Jersey City Free Public Library and the launch of the special edition library cards, “Liberty State Park is excited to see these special edition library cards launched in collaboration with the Jersey City Free Public Library and Sam Pesin! The images on the cards are snapshots of iconic scenes of Liberty State Park that capture important elements of our historical and environmental significance. Residents of Jersey City and beyond have family stories that intersect with this park’s history.” He continues, “In many ways, LSP and JCFPL share similar missions – to serve our communities, be free spaces that provide relaxation and knowledge, and inspire a sense of charged responsibility for the continued improvement of our shared cultural, historical, and environmental resources. As Liberty State Park celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026, we acknowledge the tireless efforts of hundreds of past and present people who have fought to make this park what it is today. Thank you to JCFPL for the opportunity to connect with the community this way!”

Sam Pesin, president of the Friends of Liberty State Park and the son of Morris Pesin, the “father” of the park, praised the JCFPL’s exciting project of creating three new library cards, “Thank you to Maro Twal, the JCFPL Communications and Marketing Manager, for initiating this project, and to both her and Library Director Terry Hill for collaborating with the Friends and Tereza Marshyti, a LSP Resource Interpretive Specialist, to kick off the one-year countdown to the park’s 50th birthday on June 14, 2026! As someone who grew up using the Earl Morgan Branch in Greenville, I encouraged everyone to get a Liberty State Park library card and take advantage of the library’s wide range of great services and programs for all ages.”

The Jersey City Free Public Library is proud to partner with Liberty State Park in celebrating its 50th anniversary—a milestone honoring decades of community, conservation, and civic pride. As institutions rooted in public service and lifelong learning, we are committed to preserving local history, fostering public engagement, and celebrating the legacy of those who helped shape our city. We look forward to honoring the park’s past and inspiring its future. About Jersey City Free Public Library The Jersey City Free Public Library (JCFPL) is the largest municipal library in the State of New Jersey, serving one of the most diverse cities in the country. The library meets the community’s needs by providing a wide array of programming and resources and access to a broad range of print, digital, and audiovisual collections. The Library has been a cornerstone of Jersey City’s growing and changing community for over 120 years.
About Jersey City Free Public Library
The Jersey City Free Public Library (JCFPL) is the largest municipal library in the State of New Jersey, serving one of the most diverse cities in the country. The Library meets the needs of the community by providing a wide array of programming and resources, and access to a broad range of print, digital, and audiovisual collections. The Library has been a cornerstone of Jersey City’s growing and changing community for more than 120 years.

General

It will be “1984” on April 4 at the Landmark Loew’s Jersey Theatre . . . & Across America.

National Screening Day 1984
 The Loew’s Jersey is partnering with the Jersey City Free Public Library to participate in National Screening Day / 1984
— screening of the film “1984” followed by discussion (thoughtcrime will be overlooked).

At The Landmark Loew’s Jersey Theatre

54 Journal Square, Jersey City, NJ 07306

 
Tuesday, April 4 at 7:30PM
“1984” John Hurt, Richard Burton, Suzanna Hamilton.  Directed by Michael Radford. 1984, 120mins, Color, Rated R.  (Screened in high def digital.)
Filmed and premiered during its eponymous year — a pivotal moment that occurs in the novel on April 4 was actually filmed on April 4 —  Michael Radford’s adaptation is generally considered to be the preeminent movie version of George Orwell’s landmark novel (the story was filmed once before, in 1956 in a British production). Roger Ebert, who called it a “brilliant film”, wrote: “What is remarkable about the movie is how completely it satisfied my feelings about the book; the movie looks, feels, and almost tastes and smells like Orwell’s bleak and angry vision. John Hurt, with his scrawny body and lined and weary face, makes the perfect Winston Smith.” The film’s stark gray settings effectively set the mood of a totalitarian state. Suzanna Hamilton as Julia brings some human warmth to the otherwise grim and desolate surroundings, which makes her fate all the more shattering . In the last performance before his death, Richard Burton conveys Inner Party member O’Brien with a strange fatherly compassion that makes his sadistic role all the more disturbing. In contrast to some films that have a flashy look and make a lot of use of special effects to portray a dystopian future, “1984” focuses on the plight of humans with an austere landscape, washed-out colors, and severe close-ups that signify the omnipresence of Big Brother.  In all, this “1984” faithfully follows its literary source in story, character, and tone.  â€œ1984” is certainly not a ‘feel-good’ movie, but it is not supposed to be.  It’s a cautionary tale intended to make you think – and also, frightened enough to want to avoid Orwell’s nightmare parable from coming true.  (Description complied from various sources.)

The first 100 attendees will receive a copy of George Orwell’s “1984,” compliments of the Jersey City Free Public Library Foundation.

Continue reading It will be “1984” on April 4 at the Landmark Loew’s Jersey Theatre . . . & Across America. →

General

Want to be a New Jersey Firefighter?

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Come to the Jersey City Free Public Library, & Use Public Access Computers to Apply

JERSEY CITY, N.J.   July 7, 2015 – The Jersey City Free Public Library wants to make it easier for those women and men – aged 18 to 35 – who want to apply to be a firefighter.

According to Library Network Administrator Victor Enriquez, he has created “an icon on both the publicaccess and allaccess profiles, entitled: N.J. Firefighter Online Application. Upon clicking the icon, it will automatically open to the Job Announcement listing on the NJ Civil Service Commission web page.”

Library staff at the Main Library and all nine branches and the Bookmobile will direct library patrons to this icon on all library Public Access and All Access computers should they come in to inquire how to access the New Jersey Firefighter Online Application.

The New Jersey Firefighter Online Application is available from July 1 to August 31, 2015. All applicants need to be between 18 and 35, and have a high school diploma (GED, or equivalent) and a valid N.J. driver’s license. Application is ONLINE ONLY. Continue reading Want to be a New Jersey Firefighter? →

General

Three Is the Magic Number for JC Library Renovation

By Ricardo Kaulessar

The Main Library of the Jersey City Free Public Library was first built in 1899 and it opened in 1901. That makes this grand building on Jersey Avenue in downtown Jersey City historic yet antiquated.

The powers-that-be for the library are moving forward with raising $3 million to finance, in part, a much-needed three-part renovation of the building located in downtown Jersey City to bring it into the 21st century as well as allow it to retain much of its early 20th century charm. The renovation was in the spotlight at the “Wine, Renovations and Song” fundraiser held in the main branch on June 24.

The event offered a platform for

JC PUBLIC LIBRARY
Jersey City Public Library
Main branch
the architect overseeing the renovation Helena Ruman, and members of the library’s board and its foundation to impress upon distinguished guests the importance of the renovation project and of opening their wallets for a good cause. Continue reading Three Is the Magic Number for JC Library Renovation →

General

Bookmobile to be In Front of Main Jersey City Library for 1 Hour

While Closed due to Storm Repairs

 

JERSEY CITY, N.J.   November 14, 2012 – Hurricane Sandy left her mark on the Main Library in Jersey City in the most lingering way: Receding waters in the basement left destruction in its wake amidst typical developing problems such as mold. Hence, the need for $1.4 million in repairs, according to Helena Ruman Associates, the architectural firm for the Jersey City Free Public Library. Continue reading Bookmobile to be In Front of Main Jersey City Library for 1 Hour →

Our Community

Mother of SIDS Infant Donates 27 Books to the Bonetti Children’s Room at Main Library

SURROUNDED BY LOVE – Dignora Aquino sits at one of the tables in the Bonetti Children’s Room at the Main Library, surrounded by the 27 books she has donated to the Children’s Room in loving memory of her son, Mathew Angelo Scarpa, who dies of  SIDS on January 3, 2012, at the age of three months and four days.

Mathew Angelo Scarpa

JERSEY CITY, NJ   May 16, 2012 – “In lieu of flowers and mass cards, Matthew’s family asks that you donate your favorite children’s book in Matthew’s memory to the Jersey City Free Public Library.”

It was a small gesture, lovingly placed in the obituary of their son, Matthew Angelo Scarpa, when he suddenly died on January 3, 2012. Born on September 29, 2011, and only three months, four days old when he passed, this infant made a difference in his parents’ lives, who have now shared that sunshine with others.

            Dignora Aquino and Sgt. Michael J. Scarpa of the Jersey City Police Department are also the parents of four children – WilliamGaius Christopher, Raffaele Charles, Marissa Vera, and Gianna Rose – whose fifth child, Matthew, was known for his radiant smile. Continue reading Mother of SIDS Infant Donates 27 Books to the Bonetti Children’s Room at Main Library →

Cover Story

MOBSTER TALES-Jon D’Amore Who Grew Up in Secaucus, Pens Page Turner on Jersey Wiseguys and The Casino Caper

By Sally Deering

If you grew up in New Jersey it’s likely you knew somebody who had a friend whose second cousin had a brother-in-law whose uncle was connected to “the Mob.” Born in Jersey City and raised in Union City and then Secaucus, Jon D’Amore had family members who were “connected”. An accomplished musician and songwriter, D’Amore kept mental notes of a Las Vegas casino caper that went down back in the day and tells the fascinating and sometimes nail-biting story in his new book, “The Boss Always Sits in the Back.” Here’s an excerpt:

“This is my story, based on actual events, of living on the fringe of what some people call ‘the Mafia.’ You see, several members of my immediate family were connected. Connected simply means that through blood, honor or business…you have a direct connection to the Cosa Nostra, the Mafia, Our Thing, La Famiglia, the Mob. Continue reading MOBSTER TALES-Jon D’Amore Who Grew Up in Secaucus, Pens Page Turner on Jersey Wiseguys and The Casino Caper →

Cover Story

Back to the Future-Exploring Family Lineage and Filling in the Blanks

by Sally Deering

 “Who am I?” It’s a question people have pondered since the dawn of time. And these days, it’s not enough to know how you fit in with your immediate family; people are now turning to websites like Ancestry.com to dig up the roots of their family’s tree. This trend is so popular, hit TV shows like “Finding your Roots” on PBS and “Who Do You Think You Are?” on NBC are attracting high ratings from viewers tuning in to watch stars like Samuel L. Jackson, Kevin Bacon, Edie Falco, Rob Lowe and Rosie O’Donnell discover the secrets of their family’s past.

 In November 2010, the New Jersey Room of the Jersey City Free Public Library and its staff were featured in one of the episodes of NBC’s “Who Do You Think You Are?” when O’Donnell came to the New Jersey Room to do genealogy search into her Irish background.  The show took O’Donnell on a journey that included a trip to Ireland, where she visited a workhouse where one of her relatives had lived. Both “Finding your Roots” and “Who Do You Think You Are” are filled with touching moments like these, and for viewers, the shows have helped a renewed interest in the past so that we might learn more about ourselves. Continue reading Back to the Future-Exploring Family Lineage and Filling in the Blanks →

Our Community, What You are Reading

Visiting Jersey City’s 3rd Annual Book Festival

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Author’s Come Out to Talk About Their Books, Share Their Intelligence And Creativity

“A Tale of Our City” book festival offers authors, new and established, of all genres and ages, a venue where they can showcase their works and  bring to the reading and buying public in a neutral inspiring setting.- Sonia Araujo/ Chair  “A Tale of Our City.”

 On a beautiful Saturday, September 18th the Jersey City’s 3rd Annual Book Festival was  held in Van Vorst Park. The first author we met was 

Al Sullivan with his book Everyday People: Profiles of the Garden State
Al Sullivan with his book Everyday People: Profiles of the Garden State

 Al Sullivan who works for the Hudson County Reporter papers-Bayonne CommunityNews. Al is a Senior Saff Writer, who reports the news and exhorts about Hudson County  politics in his weekly column.

Al was at the Book Festival to promote and read from his first book “ Everyday People: Profiles of the Garden State- published by Rutgers Press, 2001.  As Mr. Sullivan will tell you about his book “That every life has a story ripe for the telling.”

 
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Continue reading Visiting Jersey City’s 3rd Annual Book Festival →