(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.
