Tales of Our Cities: Jersey City’s Book Festival

Every September, the Jersey City Free Public Library organizes an annual book festival in downtown Jersey City. The event showcases local authors and promises something for readers of all ages. This past Sunday marked the 10th Annual Tales of Our Cities.

While researching my book, I relied heavily on the treasures in the New Jersey Room of the Jersey City Free Public Library. Therefore, I was thrilled to be invited to Tales of Our Cities to discuss my book, Left Bank of the Hudson: Jersey City and the Artists of 111 1st Street (Fordham University Press).

The final line-up! Jersey City Free Public Library, Tales of Our Cities, Jersey City, New Jersey, September 23, 2018. (Courtesy of Perfume Professor)

The library secured David Cruz, a veteran New Jersey political observer and current journalist at NJTV News, to serve as my moderator for the morning. Mr. Cruz and I shared an engaging and fun conversation about artists, gentrification, and Jersey City.

David Cruz and me chatting on the stage. Jersey City Free Public Library, Tales of Our Cities, Jersey City, New Jersey, September 23, 2018. (Courtesy of Perfume Professor)

Since the festival was outdoors, people would come and go. My wife noticed that when David or I dropped the word “gentrification,” passers-by would stop and listen for a moment. Interesting.

A view of the full festival. Jersey City Free Public Library, Tales of Our Cities, Jersey City, New Jersey, September 23, 2018. (Courtesy of Perfume Professor)

After the event, I signed copies of my book and talked with readers. Always a privilege.

WORD‘s author table. Seeing my book for sale never gets old. Jersey City Free Public Library, Tales of Our Cities, Jersey City, New Jersey, September 23, 2018. (Courtesy of Perfume Professor)

The Jersey City Free Public Library’s Tales of Our Cities highlights just a sampling of the cultural riches of Jersey City. I look forward to enjoying next year’s book festival as a reader.