Jersey City Free Public Library and City of Jersey City Announce Reopening of Five Corners Branch

Jersey City Free Public Library and City of Jersey City Announce Reopening of Five Corners Branch

JERSEY CITY, NJ; October 9, 2026: The Jersey City Free Public Library (JCFPL), in partnership with the City of Jersey City, is pleased to announce that the Five Corners Branch will reopen to the public on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, returning to its regular operating schedule and scheduled programming. 

The reopening follows temporary repair work and interventions to address the building’s HVAC system, which led to the branch’s temporary closure earlier this year. Work completed at the branch has restored cooling and prepared the heating system for the cooler months ahead, allowing the building to reopen, and library services and programming to safely resume while longer-term facility needs are evaluated. 

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“Five Corners Library is an essential institution for the Journal Square community. From the moment my administration learned of its closing, we have been working to get it reopened,” said Mayor James Solomon. “I want to thank those whose creativity and determination delivered a solution: Deputy Mayor Dia Bryant, Bernard Herk of JC DPW, and Orlando Quarless of JCFPL. I am grateful to Councilman Zuppa, the library board, leadership, and staff for making sure residents continued to have access to services while Five Corners was closed. Reopening the doors here is an important step, and now we are focused on making sure this branch can serve the community reliably for years to come.” 

During the closure, JCFPL worked to maintain access to library services for the Five Corners community, including Bookmobile service and continued communication with residents regarding the status of the branch. 

“As we look to the future, we are committed to building a library system that is welcoming, vibrant, fiscally responsible, and responsive to the needs of our community. 

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The reopening of Five Corners marks an important milestone. This historic building is more than a structure; it is part of our community’s story and a place where people can gather, learn, connect, and grow. We are proud to once again open its doors and welcome the public back into this cherished space. 

Our goal is to make the most of this opportunity by creating a library that honors its history while embracing the possibilities ahead. We will strive to provide meaningful programs, resources, services, and spaces that enrich the lives of those we serve. 

As we move forward, we recognize the responsibility that comes with reopening this important community asset. This is more than a reopening; it is an opportunity to strengthen connections, expand access, and reimagine what our library can be for the community. We look forward to welcoming residents back and working together to build a strong and vibrant library system for generations to come,” said Tanisha Dixon, Interim Library Director. 

The reopening represents an important step forward as JCFPL and the City continue planning for the long-term needs of the Five Corners facility. The next phase will include a comprehensive feasibility study to better understand the building’s infrastructure, mechanical systems, accessibility, space, and other capital needs. The study will help inform recommendations and priorities for the future of the branch. 

“Reopening Five Corners is an important step, but we also recognize that our work does not end here,” said Denise Boothby, Chief Operations & Strategy Officer. “The temporary improvements allow us to welcome the community back while we take a thoughtful and responsible approach to understanding the building’s long-term needs. Through the feasibility study, we will be able to take a comprehensive look at the facility, identify priorities and make informed decisions about the investments needed to support Five Corners well into the future.” 

Five Corners has long served as an important cultural, educational and community resource for residents throughout Journal Square and Ward C. 

“Five Corners Library is an essential pillar of the Journal Square community. Ward C families rely on it as a cultural and educational hub close to home. For many, including me, it’s the place that sparked a lifelong love of reading. Beginning Tuesday, we can all get back to enjoying it following repairs to the HVAC system,” said Councilman Tom Zuppa. 

“I am grateful to the City and our partners at the Library Administration that have worked to repair Five Corners. I’d also like to thank the many parents and community advocates who pushed for this commitment to reopen. While we still have more work to do for the long-term viability of the building, I will always work to ensure Five Corners is preserved and respected for its important place in our community.” 

Ahead of the reopening, JCFPL will celebrate Five Corners and the community it serves with a special event on Saturday, October 10, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

Led by JCFPL’s Community Awareness Series in partnership with the Five Corners Branch, the celebration will bring residents together for an afternoon highlighting the people, cultures and community surrounding Five Corners. The event will feature cultural performances and presentations, community activities, library services and resources, and more. 

The celebration will provide an opportunity for residents to reconnect with the library, learn more about available services and programs, and celebrate the Five Corners community as the branch prepares to welcome patrons back inside. 

“A public library belongs to the public. The Five Corners community made it clear how much this space matters, and we heard them. The City and Library teams came together, worked the problem, and found a path forward. Today, we get to do something really special: open these doors and return Five Corners to its rightful owners—the community,” said Deputy Mayor Dr. Dia Bryant. 

Beginning Tuesday, October 13, the Five Corners Branch will resume its regular hours of operation and scheduled library programming. Patrons are encouraged to subscribe to the Jersey City Free Public Library newsletter and visit the Five Corners Branch landing page at jclibrary.org for the latest updates, branch information, programs, services and future announcements related to the facility.