Symposia Bookstore Turns 25: A Hoboken Cornerstone

Inside Symposia Bookstore on Washington Street, a child sits cross-legged on the floor, eyes fixed on a puppet stage. Her mother, a Hoboken commuter, sips coffee and for a moment forgets the rush outside. This scene has repeated thousands of times over 25 years.

Symposia, a nonprofit bookstore that started in 2001 as Hoboken Faith Books on Willow Avenue, is marking its 25th anniversary. In 2003, it moved to Washington Street, was renamed, and became a nonprofit. Since then, it has grown into a cultural hub, offering book clubs, puppet shows, comedy, poetry readings, and more — all run largely by volunteers and donations.

The store was founded by Carmen and Cornel Rusu, who still run it today. “David Roberts owns our building on Washington Street. Since 2003, he gave us an affordable rent and kept it steady through the years,” Carmen Rusu said. “This is the reason a small nonprofit could survive on a main street in a town like Hoboken.”

That rent stability, thanks to former Mayor David Roberts, has allowed Symposia to stay put while many small businesses have come and gone. The store operates every day from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. — a schedule that fits neatly into lunch breaks or after-school strolls. It’s a place where you can browse donated books, strike up a conversation, and maybe leave with a new friend.

From Faith Books to Community Hub

When it first opened, the store carried religious books. But the Rusus soon realized the community needed something broader. After relocating and reincorporating as a nonprofit, they shifted focus to the arts and education. Books are donated by the community, and the store’s mission is simple: build community through reading.

Over the years, Symposia has become known for Puppetonia, a puppet show brand owned by Carmen and Cornel. Cornel writes most of the scripts, and Carmen performs them. Shows run on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., and 12:30 p.m., and cost $20 per person. They’re interactive, fun, and a hit with toddlers and parents alike.

Stevens University students also pitch in during the school year through a work-study program. They work at the store and can take home free books. It’s a small perk that keeps the shelves turning over and gives students a taste of community service.

What This Means for Hudson County

For families in Jersey City, Hoboken, and beyond, Symposia offers something increasingly rare: a third place. Not home, not work — a spot to gather without spending much. In a region where rents soar and chain stores dominate, a nonprofit bookstore that survives on donations and volunteers is a small miracle.

It also matters for kids. Puppetonia gives children a screen-free activity that sparks imagination. For parents, it’s a chance to meet others and swap tips about schools, daycares, and the best pizza slices. In a transient city, Symposia provides continuity.

And for local artists — poets, comedians, musicians — it’s a stage. The store regularly hosts performances, giving emerging talent a low-pressure venue. That kind of support doesn’t show up on a balance sheet, but it strengthens the social fabric.

What People Are Saying

Carmen Rusu credits the community for keeping the store alive. “We are volunteer- and donation-run,” she said. “Without the help of our neighbors, we wouldn’t be here.” She also invites anyone interested to stop by and talk about volunteering or donating books.

Longtime customers describe Symposia as a hidden gem. “I’ve been coming here for years,” said one Hoboken resident who asked not to be named. “It’s the kind of place where you can just be. My kids love the puppet shows, and I love the book selection.”

The store’s anniversary celebration is set for the weekend of October 10 and 11, featuring discounts, including buy one book, get the second free. It’s a small thank-you to the community that has sustained it.

What Comes Next

Symposia will continue its regular hours and events. If you’ve never been, this anniversary weekend is a good excuse to stop by. If you’re a reader, consider donating books you’ve finished. If you have time, ask about volunteering. The store’s website and in-person visits are the best ways to learn more.

In a city that often feels like it’s speeding up, Symposia is a reminder that some things are worth slowing down for. A book, a puppet, a conversation — they all add up to something bigger.