About

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. 

In 1889, Mayor Orestes Cleveland appointed a board of trustees to found the Jersey City Free Public Library. In 1901, the library opened with 15,515 books, ready to serve Jersey City’s residents. At present, the JCFPL consists of ten locations and a Bookmobile, offering physical and digital collections exceeding one million items. 

The library staff of 140+ provides the nearly 300,000 residents with information, programs, services, events, and resources for entertainment and lifelong learning. The JCFPL continues to evolve in order to best serve Jersey City’s racially, economically, and socially (incredibly) diverse population.  

Mission Statement

(Adopted December 8, 2020)

We promote lifelong learning and cultivate equity in our community through innovative programs, engaging collections, welcoming spaces, and committed staff.

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Accessibility, Belonging, Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (ABIDE) Statement

(Adopted February 7, 2025)

The Jersey City Free Public Library (JCFPL) is deeply committed to Accessibility, Belonging, Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (ABIDE) in everything we do. We believe that every individual—in celebration of their race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, socioeconomic status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity—should feel valued, respected, and supported. To this end, we strive to foster a sense of belonging where both staff and patrons feel empowered to be their authentic selves. We also work tirelessly to ensure that every aspect of our collections, programs, services, and spaces reflects the rich diversity of the community we serve.

Words alone are not enough, however. JCFPL recognizes that our commitment to ABIDE is a continuous journey, requiring action, accountability, and collaboration. As such, we invite our community to join us in creating a library that not only embodies these values but actively brings them to life.