Jersey City Library Partners With Police For Books & Badges Reading Series

The Jersey City Free Public Library (JCFPL) is pleased to announce a collaboration with the Jersey City Police Department for Books & Badges, a four-part community reading and discussion series. The program brings together Jersey City residents, teens ages 15 and older, library staff, and law enforcement professionals for thoughtful, book-centered conversations. Through guided discussions, participants will explore themes including leadership, trust, identity, communication, public service, belonging, and community connection.

This discussion series is designed to foster meaningful dialogue on issues affecting residents’ daily lives by creating common ground that connects residents with the police officers they see in their neighborhoods every day. By collaborating on Books & Badges we want to create a respectful space where community members can listen to one another, ask thoughtful questions, and gain new perspectives. Conversations will be facilitated by Lt. C.M. Congleton of the Jersey City Police Department and Tony Williams, MSW, manager of JCFPL Social Services.

According to Lt. Congleton, the program is rooted in the belief that books can serve as a starting point for important conversations between law enforcement and the community. “We may have some difficult conversations, and that’s OK. In some cases, they’re long overdue,” said Lt. Collin Congleton, who developed the new JCPD program. “Books and Badges is about creating opportunities for our officers and community members to engage in meaningful dialogue, exchange ideas, and better understand one another’s perspectives. Through these open and honest conversations, we’re facilitating, we can work together to identify actionable steps that strengthen trust and improve police- community relationships.”

“Building a safer community takes more than policing alone. Our residents are among our most important public safety partners, but that depends on the level of trust and strong relationships established between the community and our police officers,” said Mayor

James Solomon. “Books & Badges is a unique platform to bring residents and officers together for conversations centered around some difficult issues and how we can address them. It is another important addition in our efforts toward strengthening police- community relationships.”