Jersey City residents can read up on what’s happening in the Latin American community at the Perfecto Oyola Biblioteca Criolla downtown.
With a small storefront in the busy business area on First Street near Jersey Avenue, the Latin American-themed library features over 10,000 books, and periodicals from Latin American authors about the histories and cultures of all Central and South American countries. The library is a branch of the main Jersey City Public Library and it serves thousands of city residents each year, according to two-year head librarian Ed Perez.
Some books are in Spanish, and some are in English.
"We provide all the essential literature about Latin America," Perez said during an interview last week. "This is it. This is where people come for their Spanish books."
The branch is modest in size. The front part consists of tables and chairs where people can read quietly, and the back is a research area for students and residents to utilize several computers and many reference volumes.
"Kids come here and do their homework all the time," Perez said. "Residents come in looking for something, and we help them."
Perez was born and raised in downtown Jersey City. He began working part-time at the main library when he was a student at Ferris High School on Colgate Street. He was eventually employed full-time with the library and since then he has had various positions within the library system before landing the job at Biblioteca.
"I’ve been with the city’s library for more than a decade," he said. "Our facilities are excellent and we work hard to serve the people."
In the early 1970s, Latino civil rights activist Perfecto Oyola fought with the city to create a library branch that would represent and cater to the city’s growing Latin community, according to Perez. Oyola has long passed away, but Perez keeps a picture of him across from the circulation desk of the library.
"This was one of the guys who came to Jersey City and made sure Hispanics wouldn’t be discriminated against," Perez said.
The branch opened in May of 1972.
In addition to handling the everyday duties of a library, Perez ensures that his branch also provides Latinos in the community guest speakers to talk about a variety of topics.
"We bring in artists, politicians, scholars, chefs, singers; you name it," an enthusiastic Perez said, smiling.
The inside walls of the library always feature works from artists in the neighborhood. In January, a local artist will showcase African-American art at the library. Perez and other librarians are organizing education events for the community as part of African-American heritage month.
"We represent all cultures in this library," Perez said. "This is for the people."
Last summer, Jersey City artist Julia Maier came to the library to present her illustrations and writings. She held a storytelling session with area kids and talked about Caribbean cultures.
"The Biblioteca Criolla is a wonderful place to find your roots in a city of many cultures," Maier said.
Jersey City Councilman Junior Maldonado has worked with Perez on community projects in the past. He said the library is essential for Hispanic residents who look for a place where they can read about their culture.
"They provide a very dutiful service in the community," Maldonado said last week.
Perez has a staff of four working at the library. The Perfecto Oyola Biblioteca Criolla is located on 280 First St. Its hours of operation are Mondays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, their telephone number is 547-4541.