On August 22, 2023, the Hoboken Public Library Board of Trustees voted unanimously to designate the Hoboken Public Library a book sanctuary. On September 6, 2023, the City of Hoboken became the first book sanctuary city in New Jersey. As of December 2024, 39 library systems and 4 municipalities in New Jersey are book sanctuaries [MAP].
USA Today wrote about the book sanctuary movement here. Interested in learning more? Read on!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a book sanctuary?
A book sanctuary is a space where access to books and the right to read them are at the forefront of its mission. It is a local measure that libraries and individuals can take to protect a basic right of a democratic society: intellectual freedom and our right to read. Chicago Public Library and the City of Chicago launched the first book sanctuary in 2022 – https://www.booksanctuary.org.
How does a library become a book sanctuary?
The governing body of the library, the library board of trustees, adopts a formal resolution at a public board meeting designating its status as a book sanctuary. On August 22, 2023 the Hoboken Public Library Board of Trustees voted unanimously to designate itself a book sanctuary. To see the full text of that resolution and other book sanctuary resolutions, jump to the section below titled “Book Sanctuary Resolutions.”
Does being a book sanctuary preclude book challenges?
Libraries have long-established policies and procedures that allow library users to submit their concerns about the appropriateness of materials in its collections. The book sanctuary resolution ensures that challenges follow these procedures, underscoring the library’s commitment to upholding the First Amendment rights of all citizens and ensuring equitable access to information.
Can I start a book sanctuary if I don't work at a library?
Are there any costs with this?
None! You can start with the books you already have.
What commitment does a library need to make to be a book sanctuary?
A book sanctuary commits to doing at least one of the following: collecting and protecting endangered books; making those books broadly accessible; hosting book talks and events on banned books; educating others on the history of book bans and burning.
Does being a book sanctuary override any of a library's collection development guidelines?
Not at all. A book sanctuary resolution is not a policy.
What kind of reactions have libraries received from the community after becoming a book sanctuary?
Who can I contact to get more information?
Email Jennie Pu at director@hobokenlibrary.org. She is more than happy to talk to anyone about book sanctuaries – and libraries!
Where are the Book Sanctuaries?
New Jersey Book Sanctuaries
- Hoboken Public Library & City of Hoboken
- Westfield Memorial Library
- Maplewood Public Library & Maplewood Township
- Millburn Public Library
- Jersey City Free Public Library
- Garfield Public Library
- Ridgefield Public Library
- Fanwood Memorial Library
- Montclair Public Library
- Elizabeth Public Library
- Edgewater Free Public Library
- Fort Lee Public Library
- Township of Washington Public Library (Bergen County)
- Cranford Public Library
- Maurice M. Pine Free Public Library & Borough of Fair Lawn
- Livingston Public Library
- Princeton Public Library & Municipality of Princeton
- Highland Park Public Library
- Dover Free Public Library
- Newark Public Library
- Kenilworth Public Library
- West Caldwell Public Library
- Demarest Public Library
- East Rutherford Memorial Library
- Cranbury Public Library
- Midland Park Memorial Library
- Rutherford Public Library
- Edison Public Library
- Moorestown Public Library
- Pennsauken Free Public Library
- Plainfield Public Library
- Cherry Hill Public Library
- Mount Laurel Public Library
- Linwood Public Library
- Verona Public Library
- Gloucester County Library System
- South Brunswick Public Library
- Ramsey Free Public Library
- Haworth Municipal Library
Book Sanctuaries nationwide
- According to Chicago Public Library, there are over 3,000 book sanctuaries in all 50 states.
- Urban Libraries Council
Book Sanctuary Resolutions
Hoboken Public Library Board of Trustees Resolution
City of Hoboken Resolution
Sister Library Resolution with Paris-Bourbon County Library (KY)
- Paris-Bourbon County Library, the first sanctuary library in Kentucky
- Sister Library Resolution: Paris-Bourbon County Library
- Sister Library Resolution: Hoboken Public Library
- City of Savannah, Georgia