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Mission Statement
We are honored to welcome individuals from diverse Spanish-speaking nationalities within the broader Latino community. Our commitment to serving our Spanish-speaking library users is steadfast, and we are dedicated to being responsive to the evolving needs of our community. At Biblioteca Criolla Educational and Cultural Center, we strive to create an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone feels valued, respected & heard. Consider our department your intellectual home, where you are always welcome to explore, learn, and connect.
¡Nuestra casa es su casa! (Our house is your house!)
Who We Are
Biblioteca Criolla Educational and Cultural Center is a Special Collections department located on the 4th floor of the Priscilla Gardner Main Library. Biblioteca Criolla houses New Jersey’s premier resource for Spanish-language literature and Latino culture, representing diverse Spanish-speaking nationalities. Our mission is to curate an extensive collection of original and translated works in Spanish while offering a range of cultural and educational programs that enrich the community. Through art workshops, author readings, musical performances, Spanish-language story hours, and more, we aim to foster a vibrant cultural hub that celebrates and preserves the rich heritage of our Latino communities. We are committed to providing accessible resources and services, advocating for the needs of our Spanish-speaking patrons, and promoting cultural unity and understanding within Jersey City and beyond.
What We Do
Biblioteca Criolla offers a range of resources and services tailored to meet the needs of Jersey City’s Spanish-speaking community. These include:
- Cultural and Educational Programming
- Art Gallery
- Public Computers
- Reading Areas
- Community Events
- Advocacy
- Cultural Presentation
Collections
Biblioteca Criolla boasts an extensive and diverse array of print materials, encompassing original and translated Spanish works across many genres and subjects. These resources are readily available for circulation and reference, catering to our patrons’ diverse interests and needs.
Our digital collection includes:
- E-Books and Audiobooks
- Online Databases
- Digital Magazines and Newspapers
- Streaming Media
Our digital collection is continuously updated and expanded to meet our patrons’ evolving needs and interests, ensuring that Biblioteca Criolla remains a leading resource for Spanish-language materials and digital content in Jersey City and beyond.
Contact Information
If you have any questions or are interested in learning more about Biblioteca Criolla please feel free to contact us.
- Jersey City Free Public Library
- 472 Jersey Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07302
- 4th floor: You may take the stairs or use the elevator.
| Day | Operating Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday – Wednesday | 10 AM – 6 PM |
| Tuesday – Thursday | 12 PM – 8 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM – 5 PM |
| Saturday | Open for occasional events |
Biblioteca Criolla Staff
Directora De La Bilblioteca Criolla
(Head of Biblioteca Criolla)
Pvega@jclibrary.org
Patricia Vega, MLIS Bilingual Librarian and Department Manager
Patricia has been with Biblioteca Criolla for over 21 years. She is a dedicated and dynamic professional committed to serving the needs of Jersey City’s Spanish-speaking population with excellence and compassion. Playing a vital role in fostering a sense of belonging, empowerment, and cultural pride within the community through the library’s programs and resources.
Asistente Superior Bilingüe
(Senior Bilingual Library Assistant)
Wdelgado@jclibrary.org
William Delgado, Senior Library Assistant Bilingual
William has been with Biblioteca Criolla for 10 years. He is a dedicated and enthusiastic advocate for youth literacy and enrichment. He plays a vital role in creating dynamic and inclusive programming that inspires a lifelong love for reading and learning among children and young adults in the community.
Luis Barahona & Alejandra Garzon
Luis and Alejandra are our part-time staff members at Biblioteca Criolla. They play a vital role in supporting the department’s day-to-day operations. They also ensure patrons receive the assistance and resources needed to fully benefit from the department’s services. Their bilingual skills, customer service orientation, and willingness to contribute make them valuable to the library team and patrons.
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