Joint Statement from the Jersey City Free Public Library and Board of Trustees

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 19, 2025

The Jersey City Free Public Library remains deeply committed to serving every resident of our city with integrity, inclusivity, and respect. As one of the most diverse communities in the nation, Jersey City deserves a library system that reflects and uplifts all cultures, identities, and histories, and that is the foundation upon which our Library operates every day.

This year alone, JCFPL will deliver more than 5,000 programs across our branches and throughout Jersey City. These programs span cultural celebrations, educational workshops, literacy services, youth activities, senior engagement, small business support, and community partnerships representing the full diversity of our city. Our Biblioteca Criolla Educational and Cultural Center is a Special Collections department located in the Priscilla Gardner Main Library, and houses New Jersey’s premier resource for Spanish-language literature and Hispanic culture, representing communities all across the Spanish-speaking world. We also offer NJ’s largest book collection, Community Awareness Series (or CAS), English-language learning programs, and systemwide cultural initiatives, which together demonstrate our long-standing commitment to the diverse and multilingual communities that compromise Jersey City.

We recognize that concerns have been raised regarding alleged recent cancellations of programs, specifically proposed by a Puerto Rican community group. However, many of the allegations we have seen regarding the Library appear to be based on inaccurate information.  Indeed, in just the month of October 2025, we hosted the Boricua Community Building Center program at the Priscilla Gardner Main Library, the 48th Anniversary Community Awareness Series (CAS) lecture featuring Puerto Rican speaker Juan Cartagena of Segunda Quimbamba, and a CAS performance by Segunda Quimbamba at the West Bergen Branch.  The Library has hosted numerous Puerto Rican authors, and each November, Biblioteca Criolla curates a large-scale Puerto Rico Heritage Month book display featured across our branches and social media.  In addition, the Library regularly works with outside groups within numerous Hispanic communities in conducting programing and is fully committed to continuing this practice.  

Because the Library is in the business of conducting programs, we only cancel programs with good reason. The Library cooperates with partner organizations in a respectful and professional manner and expects the same courtesies in return.  We will not move forward with programs involving partners who do not demonstrate the same level of professionalism, cooperation and respect towards our Library and our staff.  If the conduct of any individual is egregious, they risk suspension or banning under our Patron Conduct policy.  We will not tolerate anyone subjecting our staff to harassment nor will we require our staff to engage with persons who make them feel unsafe. 

Despite these unfortunate allegations and misinformation, we remain grateful for the many individuals and organizations who work with us year after year to bring meaningful, high-quality programming to Jersey City. These partnerships allow us to expand cultural offerings, deepen neighborhood engagement, and foster a welcoming environment for everyone who walks through our doors.

As we move forward, the Jersey City Free Public library looks forward to working with any and all community groups who treat our staff with respect. The Board and the Library Administration remain steadfast in our mission: to provide equitable access to information, culture, and learning; to maintain a safe and respectful environment; and to ensure that the Jersey City Free Public Library continues to serve as a trusted resource for all members of our community.

Sincerely,

Nur-E Farhana Rahman

President, Board of Trustees

Jersey City Free Public Library

cc:        Terry B. Hill

            Director, Jersey City Free Public Library