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JCFPL & Youth Foundation of Jersey City Partner on Early Literacy Initiative
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
9/24/2024
Jersey City Free Public Library
Nailah Andre PR & Communications Coordinator
JERSEY CITY FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY TO PARTNER WITH THE YOUTH FOUNDATION OF JERSEY CITY TO SUPPORT LITERACY AT P.S. 24
Jersey City, New Jersey — September 24th, 2024 — Jersey City Free Public Library (JCFPL) is excited to announce our new partnership with the Youth Foundation of Jersey City. This is the year one focus of our Early Literacy Initiative through JCFPL’s Learning Center. The partnership aims to support the students, educators, and parents of Jersey City Public School 24 (P.S. 24). Within this partnership, the Library will provide resources and expertise to help support early childhood literacy, along with the structure and resources to address lifelong learning needs for parents and caregivers.
JCFPL is proposing a unique approach that extends beyond students in the classroom. To fully contribute to student success, we believe it is essential to provide support for all those involved in their lives. The Youth Foundation of Jersey City is a local non-profit dedicated to providing equal access to educational resources across academics, sports, arts, and adventure. The Foundation has a clear vision to help the youth navigate the challenges of today. The collaboration will build upon and enhance a sustainable and thriving learning community.
To kick off this exciting partnership, the Jersey City Free Public Library and the Youth Foundation of Jersey City are hosting a “Family Literacy Night” at P.S. 24 on October 1st from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The event will feature literacy games, a family book swap, and more fun activities.
Terry B. Hill, Library Director at Jersey City Free Public Library, reflects on this new endeavor, “Our partnership with the Youth Foundation of Jersey City and the Jersey City Public Schools is a testament to our commitment to empowering our community, from students to caregivers. At Jersey City Free Public Library, we believe that early childhood literacy is the foundation of lifelong learning, and by supporting educators and parents alongside students, we can create a thriving environment for the growth and success of our entire community.”
Jackie Anderson, Jersey City Free Public Library Early Literacy Manager shared, “At JCFPL, we are committed to advancing early literacy across Jersey City, a nationwide issue that impacts all aspects of a young person’s life. This initiative will lead the charge in crafting and executing a strategic plan to ensure P.S. 24 students receive high-quality programming and additional community support. This includes integrating evidence-based practices, such as those aligned with the Science of Reading, to deliver effective support at school and at home. We hope to ensure equity in literacy for P.S. 24 students, with a plan to expand and replicate our efforts across Jersey City in the years to come.”
This initiative, led by JCFPL, will provide both in-school and after-school enrichment programs. Ms. Anderson, an experienced educator and librarian, will support educators by integrating technology and library resources into their grade-level curriculum while playing a key role in their professional development throughout the school year. Additionally, parents of P.S. 24 students can benefit from the JCFPL Learning Center, which offers ESL classes.
Hollie Meyer, Executive Director of the Youth Foundation of Jersey City states, “The Youth Foundation of Jersey City’s mission is to nurture the children of Jersey City, whether it’s our family food pantries, our support for youth recreation, or our youth events. This is why we are excited to team up with the Jersey City Free Public Library! Victor Hugo said, ‘To learn to read is to light a fire.’ This collaboration will open up new worlds for our kids, using the magic that only reading can provide.”
The Jersey City Free Public Library and Youth Foundation of Jersey City partnered for this initiative to build a learning community where students, educators, and parents are provided support and resources that will contribute to their academic and professional success.
“Our Youth Foundation of Jersey City and the Jersey City Free Public Library. What a powerful partnership!” says Paul Silverman, Chairman of the Youth Foundation of Jersey
City, he continues, “The Library is joining us in adopting Jersey City Public School P.S. 24. We will focus on the support of students all year long. We’re thrilled to join forces.”
“As a mom of three kids born and raised in Jersey City, I am proud to say that the first ‘card’ each of them ever got was their yellow Jersey City Free Public Library card. I have so many fond memories of the community libraries throughout my life, and I love that their unwavering commitment to welcoming spaces and a lifelong journey of learning is going to also include the Youth Foundation of Jersey City as part of their community outreach.” says Veronica Park, Co-Chair of the Youth Foundation of Jersey City.
About Jersey City Free Public Library
The Jersey City Free Public Library (JCFPL) is the most extensive 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 wide range of print, digital, and audiovisual collections. For more than 120 years, the Library has been a cornerstone of Jersey City’s growing and changing community.