Hoboken's Jennie Pu Named 'Librarian Of Year' By Statewide Group

HOBOKEN, NJ — The New Jersey Library Association has awarded Hoboken Library Director Jennie Pu the 2024 Librarian of the Year, the city announced Wednesday.

This was the first time someone from Hudson County won the award.

Pu had also won a national award from the American Library Association in Chicago in April, the Ernest A. DiMattia award for Innovation and Service to the Community and Profession. Read more about the ALA award here.

Pu became head of Hoboken's library in 2021, after serving as the dean of libraries at Hudson County Community College.

Trustees And City Honored

The library's Board of Trustees also won the Trustee Service Award from the NJLA.

And the city of Hoboken received the prestigious Library Champion Award "for its unwavering support of public libraries and intellectual freedom," the group said.

The city earned the award following the unanimous adoption of a resolution declaring the City of Hoboken as a Book Sanctuary City in September 2023.

“Being recognized as a Library Champion is a testament to Hoboken’s commitment to fostering a culture of learning and inclusivity,” said Mayor Ravi Bhalla. “Jennie Pu’s leadership has been instrumental in making our public library a beacon of knowledge and a sanctuary for diverse voices. This honor underscores the hard work and dedication of Jennie and the entire Hoboken Public Library team, and I offer them my sincere congratulations!”

“I am proud to have attended this year's New Jersey Library Association Awards Ceremony to receive the Champion Award on behalf of the City of Hoboken for being the first municipality in the state to declare itself a Book Sanctuary City,” said At-Large Councilmember Emily Jabbour, who sponsored the book sanctuary city resolution. “Since Mayor Bhalla signed an Executive Order declaring Hoboken a Fair and Welcoming City in 2017, this declaration is an extension of these values to ensure that no book will be banned or censored; in fact, our community celebrates diverse voices and stories."

“I am honored to be the first from Hudson County to be named Librarian of the Year by the New Jersey Library Association and could not have done this without the support of an incredible library board and strong city leaders,” said Director Pu. “This award rightfully belongs to the dedicated and talented Hoboken Public Library team who faithfully serve all members of our community day in, day out.”

“I'm so proud of all the hard work the Library has done to ensure it is a welcoming place for everyone,” said Library Board President Jerome Abernathy. “It is indeed a sanctuary in every sense of the word.”

The city said that Pu "has revitalized the Hoboken Public Library, enhancing its profile both locally and nationally. She has implemented several community-focused initiatives, including pop-up libraries in schools and the installation of book lockers in collaboration with the Hoboken Historical Museum. Under her guidance, Hoboken’s first makerspace was incorporated within the sustainably restored Hoboken Main Library, blending the library’s historic charm with modern functionality."