PJ Library facts for kids
PJ Library is a special program that gives free Jewish books and music to families with young children. It started in December 2005 and is run by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, a non-profit group in Agawam, Massachusetts.
The idea for PJ Library came from Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, which also sends free books to kids. PJ Library sends books and music every month to families who want Judaism to be a part of their lives. This program is available across North America, and local groups help make it happen. The costs are covered by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, other partners, and families who donate to help more people get books.
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How PJ Library Works
PJ Library sends out over 220,000 books each month to families raising Jewish children in the US and Canada. You can find PJ Library in every part of the US and all across Canada.
Books for Different Ages
Books and music from PJ Library are for children from 6 months up to 8 years old. For older kids, ages 8.5 to 11, there's a program called PJ Our Way. Kids in PJ Our Way can choose a free chapter book or graphic novel every month. They can also write reviews, take quizzes, and chat with other kids online in a safe place.
PJ Library Radio
In December 2017, PJ Library also launched PJ Library Radio. This is a free app and online radio station that plays Jewish kids' music all day, every day. After 9 PM Eastern time, it plays calming lullabies.
Around the World
PJ Library programs are not just in North America. They are also in more than a dozen other countries, including Israel, Mexico, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.
What Kinds of Books Do They Send?
Children enrolled in PJ Library get books that are right for their age. These books teach about Jewish holidays, important values, Bible stories, and folklore. A special committee chooses all the books. They work with authors and publishers to make sure the best Jewish books reach families every month. Many PJ Library books have won big awards, like the Caldecott Medal and the Sydney Taylor Book Award. Some have even been finalists for the National Jewish Book Award.
How to Join PJ Library
Families with children aged 6 months through 8 years old can sign up if Judaism is part of their lives. PJ Library welcomes all Jewish families, no matter their background, how much they know, or their family setup.
Local partners of PJ Library also offer fun events like concerts, family outings, and other activities. They also have online Facebook groups where families can connect.
Why PJ Library is Important
PJ Library has often been recognized as one of the most inspiring and new programs in the Jewish community in North America. In April 2009, Harold Grinspoon, who started the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, received an award for his work, including creating PJ Library. In January 2010, PJ Library was named one of the "Best in Jewish Education of the Decade."
Cool Books from PJ Library
- Bagels from Benny by Aubrey Davis
- Chicken Man by Michelle Edwards
- Hanukkah at Valley Forge by Stephen Krensky
- The Keeping Quilt by Patricia Polacco
- Joseph Had a Little Overcoat by Simms Taback
- When Jessie Came Across the Sea by Amy Hest
- The Very Best Sukkah by Shoshana Nambi
- Noah's Ark by Peter Spier
- The Bedtime Sh'ma by Sarah Gershman
- Soosie, The Horse That Saved Shabbat by Tami Lehman-Wilzig
- The Always Prayer Shawl by Sheldon Oberman
- Gershon's Monster by Eric Kimmel
- Marven of the Great North Woods by Kathryn Lasky
- Flying High by Julian Edelman (The PJ Library version of this book includes quotes from Theodor Herzl.)
PJ Library has also helped update and reprint many classic and favorite books.
