Hoboken Public Library announced that Library Director Jennie Pu has been appointed chair of the Federal Advocacy Task Force for the Urban Libraries Council (ULC), the leading voice of North America’s largest and most influential public library systems.
In this role, Pu will guide ULC’s advocacy efforts at the federal level to secure support and funding that strengthens public libraries as essential urban infrastructure and hubs of opportunity. The task force focuses on advancing policies around literacy, workforce development, digital access, health and mental health resources, and protecting intellectual freedom — all critical to vibrant and resilient communities.
“Public libraries are foundational to American communities and provide access for all to information, resources to empower economic mobility, advancing lifelong learning and fostering inclusion,” said Pu. “I am honored to lead ULC’s federal advocacy at this pivotal moment as we work together to ensure libraries remain strong, adaptable and essential pillars for all and for generations to come.”
At a time when federal support for libraries faces challenges — including proposed cuts to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) — the ULC Federal Advocacy Task Force is committed to forging bipartisan partnerships on Capitol Hill. Through relationship-building and demonstrating the impact of urban libraries, the task force aims to secure sustained investment in library services that promote civic engagement, digital equity and economic opportunity.
“It is imperative that urban public libraries have a seat at the table on federal policy and decision-making, and ULC works assiduously to educate Congress that public libraries are essential centers of literacy, digital inclusion and workforce development,” said Brooks Rainwater, president and CEO of ULC. “We are honored and excited that Jennie will be chairing this key federal advocacy task force as she brings a wealth of experience and political acumen to our advocacy efforts.”
