Home Best of Guides Hoboken + Jersey City Main Public Libraries: What to Know

Hoboken + Jersey City Main Public Libraries: What to Know

by Louise Bylicki
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With students back to school and fall coming quickly, it’s time to return to the library. Here’s what you need to know about current Covid measures and services at the Hoboken Public Library and the Priscilla Gardner Main Library in Jersey City. Read on to plan your next trip to the library. 

Covid-19 Precautions

“The Hoboken Public Library is open!” said Director Jennie Pu. People are free to browse; however, the Garden, the Large Program room and the Small Program room in the basement are not fully open yet. ask requirements are still in place, as they are at the Priscilla Gardner Library, which is not yet fully available for use. 

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“Currently, we are pleased to offer 45-minute computer use, 15-minute browsing, and programs and events online and outdoors,” according to William Delgado, Senior Library Assistant {Bilingual} at the Priscilla Gardner Main Library, one of the Jersey City Free Public Libraries {JCFPL}. In addition, attendees must have their temperature taken upon entry, and the staff “regularly consults with the Jersey City Health Department to review COVID-19 safety procedures,” said Delgado.

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(Photo credit: Jersey City Free Public Library)

Connecting with Community

Both Jennie and William say that connecting with, and helping their community is what they love most about their library, and their jobs. “Whether it’s giving book recommendations or tracking down an uncommon ingredient, we are ready and happy to serve,” said Jennie, who has worked as Director at the Hoboken Public Library for just over a month.

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William began working at the Priscilla Gardner Library as a part-timer in the Lending Department 11 years ago. For the past six years, he’s worked in the Biblioteca Criolla department. “My passion is working with the kids and teaching them about Spanish language and Latino culture… and I get to do some awesome programming.”

The Services

Both libraries offer access to digital catalogs for research, streaming, and ordering books.  Contact-free book retrieval is available via the Grab & Go service at the Hoboken Public Library 500 Park Avenue during library hours and through self-service lockers located outside, where borrowers can pick up items 24/7. The Priscilla Gardner Library uses the myLIBRO app, allowing patrons to sign out books and schedule a pick-up time. 

Something for Everyone

Storytelling hour for toddlers and younger children is a popular program at both libraries. In addition, teens and tweens can join programs such as arts and crafts activities and LEGO clubs, and every Friday at 3PM, the JCFPL hosts a “Teen Comics and Graphic Novel Book Club: Heroes Are Still Super” on Zoom.

Of course, educational services are plentiful. According to Jennie, the Hoboken Main Library “recently started offering Math Tutoring for 3rd and 4th Graders,” and the Priscilla Gardner Library offers online homework help and study resources. 

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In addition to a plethora of job-searching resources at the libraries, adults can join book clubs, take guitar lessons, find advice on home buying and take advantage of free museum passes. Current adult programs at the Hoboken library,  many of which are still online due to Covid, include cooking classes and sessions on “Harmonizing Your Home.” 

 To find out about happenings at each library, check out each of their respective events calendars: Events Calendar at HobokenLibrary.org and the Jersey City Free Public Library Home Page.

Get Your Library Card 

The only thing you need to access these books, programs, and digital services is a library card, which is free and easy to do.  September is Library Card Sign-up Month at the Hoboken Public Library. With a valid photo ID and proof of Hoboken residency, you can apply for a card online here or visit the main branch at 500 Park Avenue. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 10AM—8PM, and Friday and Saturday 10AM—5PM. The library is closed on Sunday. 

 Those who live, work or study in Jersey City can apply for a JCFPL library card online or in-person at 472 Jersey Avenue. Hours are Monday — Thursday 10:30AM—5:30PM, and Friday—Saturday 9:30AM—4:30PM. It is also closed on Sunday.

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