(HOBOKEN, NJ) -- New Jersey Library Association (NJLA) lauded the City of Hoboken, its Public Library Director, and Board of Trustees at its annual awards and recognition event. Hoboken Public Library Director Jennie Pu won the highest-ranking award, NJLA 2024 Librarian of the Year. The City of Hoboken received the Library Champion Award and the Hoboken Public Library Board of Trustees was recognized for Library Service. The prestigious NJLA is the oldest and largest library organization in New Jersey.

Pu made history in 2023 when her library and the City of Hoboken became the first book sanctuaries in New Jersey. Since then, 24 libraries and four municipalities have declared themselves book sanctuaries, and Pu has become a nationally recognized champion for guaranteeing intellectual freedom and the right to read for all.

“In selecting our Librarian of the Year, Jennie stood out for her significant advances at the Hoboken Public Library and for serving as a role model for other libraries and directors,” said Brett Bonfield, Executive Director, NJLA. “Her innovations and accomplishments are considerable, as are her tenacious and fearless efforts to support intellectual freedom and the right to read, which align with our own values.”

Since she was appointed Director in 2021, Pu has overseen a $7 million renovation, eradicated library fines, embedded pop-up libraries in Hoboken schools, built the city's first makerspace, and much more. Under her leadership, Hoboken Public Library has become a vibrant urban hub for all members of the community.

“I am honored to be named Librarian of the Year, but I could not have accomplished it without the support of my Board of Trustees, my staff, and Hoboken city leaders,” said Pu. “This award rightfully belongs to the dedicated and talented Hoboken Public Library team who serve all members of our community day in, day out.”

Library Journal recently named Pu a recipient of its 2024 Movers & Shakers, a vibrant cohort of advocates, community builders, change agents, innovators, educators, and ban battlers from all corners of the library field. Pu serves in numerous leadership roles in the field, including being a member of the New Jersey Library Association’s Public Policy Committee. She also serves on the Urban Libraries Council board of directors and the American Library Association Policy Corps’ Unite Against Book Bans cadre.

Founded in 1889, the mission of the Hoboken Public Library is to connect people with each other, ideas, and opportunities to support lifelong learning, personal growth, and community development. It welcomes and serves all members of the community, from seniors to children, teens, and families. The library celebrates all stories, books, and people with a comprehensive and evolving schedule of community activities. It also features an on-site social worker, a Makerspace open to all creators, and a Library of Things program. It was the first public library in New Jersey to become a book sanctuary.