Courtney Jones reads a PJ Library book. Courtesy: Courtney Jones

By Allison Teegardin 

In 2008, Shalom Austin launched the PJ Library program locally for young Jewish readers. PJ Library has been celebrated by the 4,585 Austin families with children from birth through 12 years old, who have received the free Jewish children’s books since the program first became available in Austin. With an average growth of 5 percent each year in Austin families participating in PJ Library, there are currently 1,582 families receiving books and 183 receiving books through PJ Our Way, a program for kids ages 9-12 where they select their book choices.    

The PJ Library is a project of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation which first began in 2005 in Western Massachusetts with 200 families. Locally, the program is also supported by the Loewy family, the Clifford Zeifman family, the Meltzer family, the Loebl-Majid family, and Shalom Austin. “I love having good quality books delivered to my home every month that I know my daughter will love. The PJ Library books are consistently her favorites. Also, I love how they talk about Judaism, Jewish holidays, and Jewish values. Additionally, the books are just fun and enjoyable. Even if people are not Jewish or religious, there is value in these books,” participant Courtney Jones said.    

Beyond the books, PJ Library connects families through various events which are shared through Shalom Families. “PJ Library makes the community stronger by giving parents and children a strong foundation to raise Jewish children and find Jewish community.” said Jones. What is more, first-time campers may be eligible for a $1,000 grant through the PJ Goes to Camp program.    

“We use the books to talk about topics that are important to our family,” said Jones speaking about the impact PJ Library has on her family and daughter. “It is great to go back and read all the Hanukkah books we have from each of the years with her and be able to talk about Jewish holidays in a way that is approachable for a toddler. This year, she knew and was excited for Hanukkah because she had the foundation of the books over the years where we talked about the holiday. I am excited to see how her knowledge grows using these books over the years to come.”