October 8- 14

Message from the Director

Greetings!

There is a lot to look forward to this week at Hoboken Public Library, from civic engagement to cultural celebration and the joy of reading freely.

Our Let’s Get Civic! series continues with the 6th Ward City Council Forum. These conversations offer a chance for residents to hear directly from local candidates, ask questions, and take part in shaping Hoboken’s future.

We are also celebrating Banned Books Week, a time to reflect on the importance of the freedom to read and the stories that help us see the world in new ways. As New Jersey’s first Book Sanctuary, we are proud to stand for open access and the right of every reader to explore ideas without limitation. Join us for our Blind Date with a Banned Book event on Saturday, and share your favorite banned titles with us here at the library and on social media.

And as we mark Italian American Heritage Month, join us for a lively and family-friendly afternoon with D’Italia on Saturday, October 11. The program will feature Italian music, dance, and storytelling from costumed performers. It promises to be a joyful celebration of Hoboken’s history and culture.

We hope to see you here this week as we read, listen, and celebrate together.

Regards,

Jennie Pu

Library Director

Programs in Focus

6th Ward Council Candidate Forum

Wednesday, October 8 at 6:30 PM

Main Library, Large Program Room

Join us for a Q&A with Hoboken 6th Ward City Council candidates Ryan Cunningham, Diane Imus, Ian Rintel, and Manny Rivera Soler. Moderated by John Heinis, Hudson County View.

Livestream will be available through Hudson County View's Facebook page.

Italian Heritage Program with D'Italia

Saturday, October 11 at 2 PM

Main Library, Large Program Room

D’Italia's program will feature Italian music, dance, and cultural history presented by performers in traditional costume. They will share a lively mix of folk, traditional, and Italian American favorites, and invite the audience to participate—learning a dance, playing tamburellos and other rhythm instruments, and even sharing their own stories of Italian heritage. This will be a fun family-friendly event designed to engage all ages.

Blind Date with a Banned Book

Saturday, October 11 at 2:00 PM

Main Library, Small Program Room

Celebrate Banned Books Week with a twist on dating... but this time, your match is a book! At this adults-only library event, you’ll browse “dating profiles” for challenged and banned books, each offering playful hints about its personality, backstory, and even the reasons it’s been censored. The catch? You won’t know the title or see the cover until you choose your match. Once you’ve picked your “date,” unwrap your surprise and settle in with a cup of coffee or tea from our cozy book café as you learn more about the history of banned books and the importance of the freedom to read. Whether you discover a lifelong favorite or just enjoy a fun night of exploration, it’s all about celebrating stories that refuse to be silenced.

Weekly Programs

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