Shush-Free Zone - Where librarians get loud!

Episode 2: Jennie Pu - Public Library Director and Freedom to Read Advocate

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Aug 1, 2025

Jennie Pu, Director of the Hoboken Public Library, is an advocate for intellectual freedom and a trailblazer in the library field. She discusses her journey transforming the library into a sanctuary for creativity while leading statewide efforts for the Freedom to Read legislation. Jennie emphasizes the importance of advocating against book censorship and creating inclusive spaces. With innovative initiatives like the abolition of fines and community-driven projects, she showcases how libraries can evolve into vibrant community hubs that cater to diverse needs.

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ANECDOTE

Chutes And Ladders Career Path

Jennie Pu describes her nonlinear 'chutes and ladders' career from museums and tech into libraries.
She cites a childhood love of reading and library access to technology as drivers for the shift.

INSIGHT

Local Antidote To National Censorship

Book challenges reached Hoboken from outside the community and politicized library work.
Jennie framed a public, local response to assert libraries' role in protecting access to reading.

ANECDOTE

Becoming A Book Sanctuary

Hoboken passed a unanimous city council resolution to become a book sanctuary after the library's readathon drew attacks.
Other libraries and cities adapted the idea to their communities' needs.

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In this episode of Shush-Free Zone, host Dawn Brushammar sits down with Jennie Pu, director of the Hoboken Public Library, whose career path in the library world has been anything but linear. From childhood memories of summer reading to leading one of the most dynamic public libraries in America, Jennie shares how she’s turned a traditional institution into a sanctuary for creativity, dignity, and intellectual freedom.

Jennie is also co-leading a statewide push for intellectual freedom, helped draft the Freedom to Read legislation, and presenting her work nationally. Her story highlights how librarianship can be a chutes-and-ladders career—full of unexpected turns, bold advocacy, and deep community service.

Tune in to hear how Jennie champions the right to read, creates safe and accessible spaces, and shows just how varied and revolutionary a career in the LIS world can be.

About Jennie Pu

Jennie Pu is the Director of the Hoboken Public Library and a nationally recognized champion of intellectual freedom. With a career spanning school, academic, museum, and public libraries, she’s led a multimillion-dollar restoration, abolished fines, and launched New Jersey’s first book sanctuary city. A 2024 NJLA Librarian of the Year and Library Journal Mover & Shaker, Jennie also co-authored the state’s Freedom to Read legislation. Her work centers on creating inclusive, accessible spaces that serve real community needs. Jennie’s career path (which she describes in the episode as more chutes and ladders than straight lines) embodies the transformative power of librarianship. Connect with Jennie on Linked in here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniepu/

About Hoboken Public Library

Founded in 1889 and housed in a beautifully restored historic building, the Hoboken Public Library connects people with ideas, opportunities, and each other, offering innovative programs, inclusive services, and a vibrant makerspace for lifelong learning and community growth. Learn more at Hoboken Library