Why One New Jersey Librarian Says Challenged Books Belong on Your Holiday Reading List
Librarian Jennie Pu is redefining a Hudson County holiday tradition. She feels a book targeted for censorship would be the finest gift this year. Pu recommends reading prohibited or difficult works in winter, but many individuals select lighter books. She doesn’t want to fight; she just wants to remind people why free speech is so vital now.
Pu, the Hoboken Library director, has fought for intellectual freedom and standards that allow everyone to study a variety of literature for years. Her advocacy helped New Jersey approve the Freedom to Read Act, which protects libraries from being forced to remove specific books. Pu values this mission. She thinks the library should have all stories, especially those that challenge us.
She has compiled a reading list of modern literature’s most controversial works for the holidays. Many of these novels address race, identity, history, and underrepresented communities’ experiences. Pu believes this is why these books should be kept. She claims that the rise in book challenges is part of a bigger attempt to limit certain viewpoints and who is heard in society.
Pu claims that a lack of knowledge impairs worldview. She worries that readers may narrow their opinions if they don’t hear from many people. She believes that reading thoughtfully, especially those that challenge people, helps them comprehend others and make better decisions. She believes that reading on purpose can help people calm down and connect more at a time when social media and AI give quick, fragmented information.
She also claims that young readers nowadays have more distractions than prior generations. Screens, games, and scrolling often replace quiet reading time. Pu says reading an entire narrative stirs emotions that can’t be replicated. She claims meaningful reading impacts her daily interactions and stays with her long after she finishes the book.
Pu urges readers to pose a simple but vital question as they review her books: Why were they challenged? She believes curiosity helps you learn about the book’s characters and how stories and knowledge shape society. Her life demonstrates this. She likes science fiction, but a current piece outside her usual inclinations moved her. She thinks other readers will be surprised by how emotive and perceptive these poems are.
Pu also discusses public library history. Libraries have traditionally offered books, activities, technology, and learning resources to low-income people. That mission continues today. Since public libraries are open to anyone, regardless of background, views, or income, she considers them a model of democracy.
Her holiday reading list includes classics, modern novels, memoirs, and young adult works. Every new has challenges or constraints. However, each one offers a unique perspective that helps readers understand themselves and others.
Pu hopes readers will pick one of these novels this season and enjoy a nice story while thinking about how essential it is to make literature accessible to everyone. If individuals steal stories, almost anything can weaken, she cautions.
Pu’s advice for intelligent holiday reading is to leave your comfort zone, be curious, and let stories open your world.
