Though the shock has worn off, the feelings of loss never leave. The difference? Remembering State Senator and Jersey City Mayor Glenn D. Cunningham becomes homage of joy and respect for the man whose passing on May 25, 2004 gives us the chance to honor him twice yearly – when we lost him, and on his birthday, September 16th.

Seems fitting to begin with the entrance to the Main Library, since Glenn made many trips to the third floor. There, he would happily bury himself in the New Jersey Room, researching the history of African Americans in Jersey City. In fact, that’s how he had spent his last birthday!

The sign says it all: Happy Birthday! Pictured with his library card, Glenn Cunningham always wanted everyone to love the library as he did. That photo was taken in October 2002 to promote the 100,000 Library Card Registration Drive. The Jersey City Free Public Library, as of October 17, 2005, has 112,282 registered library card members.

The full display in the New Jersey Room, in celebration of Glenn D. Cunningham’s birthday on Friday, September 16, 2005.

A close up reveals a photo-montage, in repeat, with a hand-written poem, likening Glenn’s spirit to a star shining. Very fitting, since the star was his campaign symbol when running for Mayor and State Senator because Cunningham served as the first African-American U.S. Marshal for the District of New Jersey.

Mayor-Man. Mayor Cunningham loved children, and began his mornings reading to schoolchildren before heading off to City Hall…and appeared as ‘Mayor-Man’ at the Bonetti Children’s Room in the Main Library to read to children, with his ‘Lady One’ by his side, Sandra Cunningham.

How do you celebrate a life in public service? You name the first branch library built in 42 years after him, that’s how! Notice to the right, the program created for the Grand Opening of the Glenn D. Cunningham Branch Library & Community Center, on August 17, 2004. This fifth regional branch library replaced the much-smaller Claremont Branch Library.