(HOBOKEN, NJ) -- Hoboken Public Library has announced that Library Director Jennie Pu has been reappointed to a second year as Chair of the Advocacy Task Force for the Urban Libraries Council (ULC), the leading voice of North America’s largest and most influential public library systems.
In this role, Jennie will continue to guide ULC’s national advocacy efforts to secure support and funding that strengthen public libraries as essential urban infrastructure and hubs of opportunity. The task force focuses on advancing policies around literacy, workforce development, digital access, health and mental health resources, and protecting intellectual freedom—all critical to vibrant and resilient communities.
“Public libraries are foundational to American communities and provide access to information, support economic mobility, advance lifelong learning, and foster inclusion,” said Pu. “I am honored to continue leading ULC’s advocacy and to build on the bipartisan relationships and momentum established over the past year. Together, we will work to ensure libraries remain strong, adaptable, and essential pillars for generations to come.”
A central priority in the coming year will be defending E-Rate, the longstanding federal program that helps public libraries and schools maintain the reliable, affordable broadband and the network infrastructure essential to modern library service. The task force will also continue advocating for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and sustained federal investment in library services. Building on bipartisan relationships on Capitol Hill, it will continue sharing the impact of urban libraries and advancing policies that promote civic engagement, digital equity, and economic opportunity.
“It is imperative that urban public libraries have a seat at the table in federal policy and decision-making, and ULC works assiduously to educate Congress that public libraries are essential centers of literacy, digital inclusion, and workforce development,” said Brooks Rainwater, President and CEO of ULC. “We are so pleased that Jennie will continue chairing this key advocacy task force for a second year, bringing a wealth of experience and political acumen to our advocacy efforts.”
ULC’s advocacy strategy recognizes urban libraries as critical public assets that must be preserved and expanded through sustained federal investment. Through collaboration with lawmakers and federal agencies, the task force champions equitable access to resources that address social and economic challenges cities face today—strengthening literacy, workforce readiness, health access, and democratic values.
Jennie’s reappointment to this national role highlights Hoboken Public Library’s commitment to shaping public policy and advancing community-centered library service. Her continued leadership will help amplify the voices of urban libraries in national policy conversations around literacy, access, and innovation.
The Urban Libraries Council is an innovation and action tank representing nearly 200 member library systems across North America, with a combined service-area population of 138 million people. ULC drives transformative change by connecting leaders, advancing research, and advocating for urban libraries as essential 21st-century institutions fostering opportunity, equity, and democracy.
Founded in 1890, the Hoboken Public Library is a cultural and educational cornerstone of the City of Hoboken. The Library’s mission is to connect people with each other, ideas, and opportunities, and to support lifelong learning, personal growth, and community development. Its landmark building at 500 Park Avenue, completed in 1897, is listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places.
Ellis Paul doesn’t just write songs; he’s a guitar-carrying reporter who covers the human condition and details the hopes, loves, losses of those he observes, turning their stories into luminous pieces of music that get under your skin and into your bloodstream. And much like the artists who have influenced him, everyone from Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan and Paul Simon to the singer-songwriter who is undoubtedly his greatest inspiration, Woody Guthrie, Paul weaves deeply personal experiences with social issues and renders them as provocative works that are as timely as they are timeless. Born and raised in Maine, Paul attended Boston College on a track scholarship and in the evenings became a fixture on the city’s open mic circuit. After winning a Boston Acoustic Underground songwriter competition, he caught the ear of folk luminary Bill Morrissey, who produced his indie album Say Something in 1993. This led to a sevenalbum contract with Rounder Records and the 1994 album, Stories.
Samara Joy has emerged as one of the most captivating new voices in jazz, bringing a fresh perspective to a beloved tradition. With a sound that feels both rooted in history and uniquely her own, she has quickly drawn the attention of audiences and critics alike. Experience the artistry, warmth, and unmistakable brilliance of a true rising icon—live and in person.
To welcome Fall, renowned organist Ian Fraser will play a selection of Halloween inspired pieces on UCPAC’s “Biggest Little Wurlitzer,” our 1928 organ that is original to our beautiful Main Stage theater, in Illumination – A Haunted Concert by Candlelight!
The 45th Bi-Annual New Jersey Film Festival will be taking place between September 4-October 4, 2026. The Festival will be a hybrid as we will be presenting it online as well as doing select in-person screenings at Rutgers University. Almost all the films will be available virtually via Video on Demand for 24 hours on their show date. VOD start times are at 12 Midnight Eastern USA. Each General Admission Ticket or Festival Pass purchased is good for both the virtual and the in-person shows when both are offered.This program is only available Online for 24 hours on this show date!
Musician and historian Bobby Horton combines storytelling, musicianship, history, and a genuine love for the people who settled this nation, fought for our future, and created a new nation in Patriot Songs of the American Revolution.
(PLAINFIELD, NJ) -- Music lovers are invited to experience the artistry of the Wharton Performing Arts School (PAS) faculty at a free Faculty Recital on Sunday, October 4, 2026 at the Plainfield Performing Arts Center (724 Park Avenue) in Plainfield. Showtime is 3:00pm.
(CLARK, NJ) -- Waves of Education's 6th Annual Run Toward a Better Future 5K & Family Fun Event will take place on Sunday, October 4, 2026 at Oak Ridge Park in Clark.
(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company will welcome internationally acclaimed Indian classical musician Ustad Shafaat Khan to the Kutz Theatre at the Lackland Performing Arts Center on Sunday, October 4, 2026 at 2:00pm.
(NEW YORK, NY) -- NiCori Performing Arts Academy celebrates the next generation of musical theatre and cabaret talent on Sunday, October 4, 2026 at Triad Theater. The NiCori Youth Cabaret Showcase features an extraordinary group of young performers sharing songs that inspire, challenge, and tell their unique stories. The event begins at 2:00pm.
(HOBOKEN, NJ) -- Mile Square Theatre presents a New Play Reading Series from October 5-14, 2026. Plays include Neither Snow Nor Rain by Erin Mallon; The Halal Brothers by Alaudin Ullah; and Sunshine Madness by Lori Fischer. Admission is free, but tickets are required.
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents Compagnie Hervé Koubi in Sol Invictus on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 7:30pm. Sol Invictus is a contemporary dance work combining acrobatics, street dance, hip-hop, capoeira, and martial arts with powerful imagery and inspired choreography.
(TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- It's time to ditch the same boring recipes and bring big, playful creativity back into your kitchen! Join Top Chef finalist, Food Network star, and author Joe Sasto to explore his bestselling cookbook Breaking the Rules: A Fresh Take on Italian Classics in a virtual discussion on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, presented by the Ocean County Library. The event begins at 2:00pm.
(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Count Basie Center for the Arts welcomes Tony Award-winning actor, author and advocate Ali Stroker for a Community Conversation exploring mental health, well-being and the power of the arts on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at The Vogel. The event begins at 7:00pm.
(NEWARK, NJ) -- World-renowned artist Bisa Butler and Grammy Award-winning artist Durand Bernarr will headline the 2026 Newark Arts Festival, returning October 7–11 for five days of exhibitions, music, performance, artist conversations, family programming, open studios and late-night arts experiences across Newark.