Hudson County Community College Receives ‘Library Excellence in Access and Diversity’ Award

January 23, 2025

HCCC is one of only 34 colleges and universities in the United States to earn this national recognition.


January 23, 2025, Jersey City, NJ – College libraries are hubs where students and community members access resources for learning, enhance literacy, utilize educational materials, have a quiet place to study, and connect with the community. Developing collections, initiatives and programs that represent a wide range of experiences and perspectives promotes exploration and dialogue and makes these libraries more inclusive.

Hudson County Community College (HCCC) Libraries earned the 2025 Insight Into Diversity Magazine “Library Excellence in Access and Diversity” (LEAD) Award for advancing programs and initiatives that encourage and support inclusive excellence and belonging in research, accessibility, community outreach, technology, exhibitions, and collections. The award acknowledges the importance of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) leadership role models and honors exemplary academic libraries.

Hudson County Community College Libraries

Pictured here, the Hudson County Community College Libraries: Gabert Library on the College’s Journal Square Campus in Jersey City, NJ, and North Hudson Campus Library in Union City, NJ.

HCCC Libraries uphold the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion to support teaching, research, and learning. Periodic campus surveys inform strategic planning, ensure diverse speakers and topics, promote curating, and offer exhibitions and lectures on local history, culture, and social issues. Rotating thematic displays highlight Hispanic, Black, Asian and other diverse heritages, women’s achievements, autism awareness, and more. HCCC Libraries offer assistive technology such as closed captioning for online events; sign language interpreters at in-person events; audio transcriptions; a Talking Book service; the “Ticket to Culture” program with free annual guest passes to local cultural institutions; panel discussions, symposiums, and roundtables; and many additional services.

In 2016, HCCC’s Gabert Library was recognized with the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) Excellence in Academic Libraries Award, the only New Jersey institution ever to be so honored.

“We know that many academic libraries are not always recognized for their dedication to diversity, inclusion, and access” says Lenore Pearlstein, owner and publisher of Insight Into Diversity Magazine. We are proud to honor these college and university libraries as role models for other institutions of higher education.”

Insight Into Diversity Magazine is the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education today. Insight is the leader in recognizing inclusive excellence in higher education through its many prestigious awards. They are also known for advancing best practices in diversity, equity, and inclusion through their website and print magazine.