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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.
DayOperating Hours
Monday10 AM – 6 PM
Tuesday12 PM – 8 PM
Wednesday10 AM – 6 PM
Thursday12 PM – 8 PM
Friday9 AM – 5 PM
SaturdayOpen for occasional events only.
SundayClosed
Starting November 12, Biblioteca Criolla’s new hours will be Monday through Thursday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, until further notice.

Biblioteca Criolla Staff 

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. 

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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Attention: The Five Corners Branch will have a delayed opening at 11 AM on Wed, Jul 10th due to staff development.

Please be informed that the Earl Morgan Branch will be closed for Staff Development from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM on Tuesday October 29, 2024. Hours of operation will resume at 1 PM.
📢 Communipaw Branch Hours Now Extended! Check out the new schedule at jclibrary.org/branch/communipaw 📅

The Learning Center will be closed from Wednesday, May 29 through Friday, May 31. Thank you for your understanding.

The Marion Branch will closed from 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM on Friday, August 16 due to staff development. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.

¡Feliz Cinco de Mayo desde JCFPL! Celebrate with us and explore our Spanish-language collections at Biblioteca Criolla.

All library locations will be closed on Monday, November 11, in observance of Veterans Day. We will reopen and resume services on Tuesday, November 12.

Due to unexpected circumstances, the Marion Branch Library will temporarily close Today, 6/4/2024, from 12:00pm-1:00pm. The Marion Branch will reopen at 1:00pm.

Notice: Starting November 12, Biblioteca Criolla's new hours will be Monday through Thursday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, until further notice.
Please be advised that the Earl Morgan Branch will be closed for Staff Development from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM on September 24, 2024. Hours of operation will resume at 1 PM.

Miller Branch will open at 11:00am on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, due to a delayed opening.

Due to unexpected circumstances, the Biblioteca Criolla at PGML will temporarily close Today, 8/15/2024, from 4:00pm-5:00pm.

The Pavonia branch will have a delayed opening for Staff Development on August 16, 2024, and will be open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Morgan Branch will open at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, July 16 due to staff development. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.

Bookmobile Services Temporarily Unavailable from May 8th to May 10th. We apologize for the inconvenience caused.

Due to unexpected circumstances, the Program Room at the Heights Branch will be closed Today, 8/19/2024

Due to unexpected circumstances, the Marion Branch will be closed Today, 8/19/2024 from 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Heights Branch will open at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, July 16 due to staff development. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.

Biblioteca Criolla will be closed from 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Today, Tuesday, August 20, 2024. We apologize for the inconvenience. 

Heights Branch will have a delayed opening at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, August 21, 2024. We apologize for any inconvenience.

The Five Corners Library will open at 11am on Wednesday, June 12th. We apologize for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your understanding.

Due to unexpected circumstances, the Marion Branch will be closed Today, 8/22/2024 from 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

All library locations will close at 12:30 PM on 8/23/2024 for the Annual Backpack Giveaway. Please note that only patrons who registered during the specified period will receive a backpack due to high demand. 

All Library Locations Will Be Closed on Friday, April 19, for Staff Development. The Library Will Open for Services on Saturday, April 20. We Apologize for Any Inconvenience.

Please be advised that the Bookmobile will be out of service from Monday, August 26th, to Monday, September 9th. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.

Today for Hudson Gives, there will be a $5k match minute at 2:01 p.m. and later at 5:51 p.m.. All giving will end at 11:59PM on May 17th.

📢 Important Update: The Communipaw Branch Library is closed today. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Please note that the Bonetti Department will be closed from 3 to 6 p.m. on Monday, June 17, 2024, for the SLP Kickoff Party ,which will take place in the Fourth Floor Multipurpose Room. Thank you for your understanding.

In observance of Labor Day, all JCFPL locations will be closed on Saturday, August 31, and Monday, September 2. We will reopen on Tuesday, September 3 during regular hours.

Please be informed: the Cunningham Branch will open at 1:00 PM on June 26th; we appreciate your understanding.

The Pavonia branch will have a delayed opening for Staff Development on June 28, 2024, and will be open at 10:00 am.

The Pavonia branch will have a delayed opening for Staff Development on July 19, 2024, and will be open at 10:00 am.

The Pavonia branch will have a delayed opening for Staff Development on September 20, 2024, and will be open at 10:00 am.

CORRECTION, NO DELAYED OPENING: The Pavonia Branch will be open during its regular hours, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, on Friday, October 18, 2024.

The Pavonia branch will have a delayed opening for Staff Development on November 15, 2024, and will be open at 10:00 am.

The Pavonia branch will have a delayed opening for Staff Development on December 20, 2024, and will be open at 10:00 am.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Earl Morgan Branch will be closed Today 6/17 from 2 PM to 3 PM. The branch will reopen at 3 PM. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.

Biblioteca Criolla Will Be Closed for Services Today 6/17 From 2 PM Onward Due to the SLP Kick Off Party in the 4th floor Multi-Purpose Room.

📢 Due to unforeseen circumstances, today's "World Animal Day" craft event on October 4, 2024 has been cancelled. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.

Please be advised the Heights Branch will be closed for staff development on Wednesday, June 26, from 10 AM to 11 AM. The branch will open at 11 AM following the session.

Please be informed that the West Bergen Branch will open at 2:00 PM today, September 3, 2024. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Registration for the Jersey City Free Public Library Annual Backpack Giveaway has been extended until August 12. Visit this page to register while supplies last.

The Priscilla Gardner Main Library will open at 12:00 pm on 05/24/2024 due to a delayed opening.

Please be informed that the Marion Branch will be closed for Staff Development from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM on October 11, 2024. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

The Five Corners Branch will open at 12:00 pm on 05/30/2024 due to a delayed opening.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the West Bergen Branch will be closed today 8/1. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.

Please be informed that the Marion Branch will be closed for Staff Development from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM on November 15, 2024. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

The West Bergen Branch will open at 12:00 pm on 06/05/2024 due to a delayed opening.

Please be informed that the Marion Branch will be closed for Staff Development from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM on December 13, 2024. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

The Cunningham Branch will open at 12:00 pm on 06/06/2024 due to a delayed opening.

Please be informed that the Five Corners branch will be closed to the public for Staff Development on September 11, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

The Morgan Branch will open at 12:00 pm on 06/13/2024 due to a delayed opening.

The Miller Branch will open at 12:00 pm on 06/18/2024 due to a delayed opening.

Please be advised that the Bookmobile will be off the road for the remainder of the week and will return on Monday, August 5th. We apologize for the inconvenience.

The Marion Branch will open at 12:00 pm on 06/20/2024 due to a delayed opening.

📅 Find out when the Bookmobile will be in your neighborhood! See Bookmobile Schedule

The Heights Branch will open at 12:00 pm on 06/21/2024 due to a delayed opening.

All library locations will be closed on Monday, October 14, in observance of Indigenous Peoples' Day. We will reopen for services on Tuesday, October 15.

The Bookmobile is out of service until Thursday, June 27, 2024.

The Pavonia branch will have a delayed opening for Staff Development on August 30, 2024, and will be open at 10:00 am.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the bookmobile will be off the road from Tuesday, Oct.15 through Thursday, Oct. 17

Our holiday schedule has been updated for each of our branches. We encourage you to visit your branch's page to view important information regarding closures, limited hours, and alternate hours. Thank you.

In observance of Memorial Day, all branches of the library will be closed on Monday, May 27th, 2024. The library will be open for service on Tuesday, May 28th, 2024. Thank you for your understanding.

The Heights branch will be closed to the public for Staff Development on September 18, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

The bookmobile will be off the road today, Oct 4, 2024. Thank you for your understanding.

West Bergen Branch Is Temporarily Closed Today 5/23/2024 due to flooding. We Anticipate Reopening on or Before Fri., May 24.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Pavonia Branch will be closed today 8/9/2024 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.

The Cunningham Branch will be closed from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM today, July 6. It will reopen at 2:00 PM. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.

The Communipaw Branch will be expanding it's hours of operation starting on November 1st. For more details, visit the Communipaw Branch Page.

Please be advised that Priscilla Gardner Main Library will be closing at 5pm today, April 11th, 2024.

All library locations will be closed on Friday, October 25, for staff development, and the Bookmobile will not be making trips. Regular services will resume on Saturday, October 26.

Please note that all library branch locations will be closed in observance of Independence Day on July 4th, 2024.

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