PJ Library Celebrates Five Years: Needs new Families and Funding
The PJ Library was created by philanthropist Harold Grinspoon in an effort to support families in their Jewish journeys by sending Jewish-themed, age-appropriate books to children – ages 6 months to 8 years old – each month. This program, which is similar to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, also promotes literacy and quality family time.
The PJ Library was brought to Atlanta in 2007 thanks to the generous funding of the Marcus Foundation and implementation by Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta with the goal of engaging young families with the Jewish community. Over the past 5 years, the program has touched nearly 7,000 Jewish Atlanta children.
Currently, Atlanta is one of more than 140 participating communities in the U.S. and boasts over 3,600 subscribers per month. However, there are approximately 6,400 Jewish children in Atlanta who are eligible for PJ Library that are not receiving the service because of lack of awareness and lack of funding.
Families wishing to receive PJ books can easily register through Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta’s website at: www.JewishAtlanta.org/PJLibary. Not only will each child receive their book – a music CD is delivered each December – but subscriber families also receive an email newsletter each month to keep them connected to PJ and other family events happening throughout Greater Atlanta. PJ Library events in Atlanta are coordinated by the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta.
“The PJ Library is such a simple program, and it’s the simplicity of it that makes it so meaningful,” explains Mark Silberman, a funder of the program in Atlanta. “My wife Linda and I support PJ because we’ve seen firsthand through our grandchildren the benefits.”
With the Atlanta Jewish community continuing to grow, more funds are needed to sustain The PJ Library in the metro area. Those wishing to make donations to help children receive these great books can do so online at: www.JewishAtlanta.org/PJCampaign.
Testimonials attached.
Interviews available upon request.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta is Atlanta’s premier Jewish fundraising organization, offering community members the best opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of Jews everywhere. Founded in 1906, Federation creates and supports programs that transform Jewish values into tangible deeds, aiding the most vulnerable, ensuring that Jewish culture and traditions live on, and strengthening the critical link between our local community and Jews in Israel and overseas. Federation donors and volunteers enjoy the satisfaction of knowing they Live Generously, receive recognition for their involvement, and create a legacy of giving. Federation received four stars—the highest possible efficiency rating—from Charity Navigator, the nation’s premier independent charity evaluator for the fourth consecutive year. For more information, visit www.JewishAtlanta.org.
“As a veteran elementary school teacher, and a Grandma, I can't begin to tell you how thrilled I am with the PJ library. I think that it is a wonderful program! My grandsons love when we read the books that they receive. Thank you for letting us be a part of PJ library.”
- Rhonda, PJ Grandparent, Roswell
“I just wanted to thank you and all of the people at the Greenspoon Foundation for the amazing PJ Library program. My twins (almost 4) have been receiving the best books since they were born and look forward to getting them every month. We cannot wait to open the envelopes each month and read our new books. Of course, a HUGE thank you to Mr. Greenspoon for truly putting his money where his mouth is with this amazing program. My kids have a tremendous library of beautiful, information Jewish-themed books thanks to him.”
-Ingrid, PJ Parent, Brookhaven
“They [PJ Library Books] are so informative in a child’s way. Helps to enforce our Yiddishkeit especially here in Newnan.”
-Susan, PJ Grandparent, Newnan
“We cannot afford to belong to a synagogue, so this gives us a way to share the religion with our young one.”
-Lindsay, PJ Parent, Decatur
“It's AMAZING. Jewish books are hard to find locally and very expensive when paying retail. This is "mindless" as you don't have to search and search or go online and read reviews. You know that every month you are receiving a high quality, well reviewed book, plus tips for talking about the contents with your kids. AND IT'S FREE!”
“It is the best program for getting Jewish kids excited about their beautiful heritage!! They love receiving their gifts from the PJ Library each month!! Best of all, it is free – so all families who want to benefit from this program may do so, regardless of their finances.”
-Keren, PJ Parent, Toco Hills
