Hoboken Public Library

Hoboken Public Library Fights for the Right to Read 

Banned book rates were at an all-time high this year, and as it’s been a persisting issue affecting libraries and schools across the country, Jennie Pu from Hoboken Public Library decided it was time to act.  

In 2023, Hoboken Public Library became the first book sanctuary in New Jersey. Since then, 36 other libraries in the state have become safe havens for readers, thanks to Director Pu who helped pioneer this effort by infusing her passion, knowledge, guidance, and resources. We partnered with the library on a thought leadership campaign to generate awareness of the book banning issue, establishing Pu at the forefront of driving this change – regionally and nationally. 

Rosica developed a media strategy targeting local New Jersey and national print, digital, and broadcast media. Our results spanned across key outlets reaching an audience of more than 344 million including NPR, USA Today, CBS News, Scripps News, Axios, AARP, NJ.com, New Jersey Now, InsiderNJ, and many more. 

As part of the PR and thought leadership campaign, we developed a robust awards program for Pu where she was recognized by different publications, documenting her impact on the community and the national library scene. Pu was recognized by Library Journal as a 2024 Mover and Shaker and Librarian of the Year by New Jersey Library Association. She was just listed as number one and the only librarian on NJBIZ’s 2024 Education Power 50 list. This prestigious award recognizes top industry professionals who are influencing a new generation of leaders and marks the first time a public library was included on the awardees list. Pu serves in several leadership roles in the field, including 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.