EACH SPRING, PJ Library holds an invitational North American Conference for PJ Program Professionals, Partners, Lay Leaders, and Donors. The goal of the conference is to increase the effectiveness of the PJ Library program in reaching and engaging Jewish families in Jewish life by developing the outreach, programming, community organizing, and fundraising skills of local PJ Library communities.

Highlights

Marketplace of Successful Efforts -- Attendees will be given the opportunity to learn from the successful efforts of other PJ Library communities. Contribute to the Marketplace of Ideas (PDF)
Workshop Sessions -- Attendees will learn from field and program experts in groups focusing on marketing, outreach, administration, and book-based programming. Learn More about the Sessions Offered (PDF)
Israel Update -- Insights into the remarkable growth of our "sister" literacy project, Sifriyat Pijama.
Networking opportunities -- Many opportunities for PJ Program Professionals to meet with other Professionals from across the continent.
Entertainment -- The songs and PJ puppetry of Felicia Sloin, a PJ artist and "Entertain-ucator" who uses music, percussion, dance, puppets, sign language, and shtick to inspire people of all ages to celebrate Jewish holidays, culture, and values.

Dates and Times

Sunday through Tuesday, April 22 through April 24

Sunday, April 22
- 1:15 p.m. -- Orientation for New PJ Library Communities and New PJ Staff
- 4 p.m. -- Official Start Time
Tuesday, April 24 -- Official Closing Time

This year's conference schedule (subject to change) aims to balance the time spent in focused sessions with networking opportunities. Take a Sneak Peek at the Schedule (PDF)

Location

The Pearlstone Conference and Retreat Center is nestled in the rolling farmlands of Reisterstown, Maryland, just 30 minutes from the Baltimore-Washington International airport (BWI). Accessibility to a major airport, a certified kosher kitchen, and a community-building environment are the prime reasons we chose Pearlstone for the PJ Conference.

Who Is Invited?

PJ Program Professionals
PJ Implementing Organization Professionals
Lay Leaders Active in Supporting PJ Library
PJ Donors and Leaders

Workshop Choices & Descriptions

More than 20 workshops are offered in four session slots on Monday and Tuesday. Attendees are advised to read through the 2012 Workshops & Bios (PDF) before registering.

Cost, Travel & Accommodations

COST

Conference fees and meals from Sunday's dinner through Tuesday's lunch are covered by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation for all conference attendees.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Shared Rooms -- Accommodation costs for shared rooms at the Pearlstone Center are covered by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation for one professional from communities with fewer than 200 active subscriptions, and two professionals from communities with more than 200 active subscriptions. Rooms house up to 6 people; some rooms have bunk beds.

Hotel Rooms -- For those who prefer to pay for hotel accommodations, we have booked a block of rooms at the Hyatt Place Owings Mills for a discounted rate of $109/night* ($10 less than last year). We provide shuttle transportation between Pearlstone and the Hyatt (approximately 15 minutes) for the start of the conference, and each morning and evening.

*Make sure to use the Corporate/Group #: G-PJLB to receive the discounted rate.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

Pearlstone is located 30 minutes from Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI) and 30 minutes from Penn Railroad Station, Baltimore. Shuttle Service between BWI (or Penn Railroad Station) and Pearlstone has been arranged with The Airport Shuttle for a discounted rate of $26 if you register online through a designated link. The link will be sent to you in follow up communications.

TRAVEL REIMBURSEMENT

Reimbursement is available for travel expenses that exceed $150. Communities will be responsible for the first $150 plus 20% of the expenses over $150, not to exceed a total of $500 reimbursement. Example: If your expenses total $500, your community would pay $150 plus $70 for a total of $220, and HGF would reimburse you $280.

Travel Reimbursement Deadline: July 1, 2012

Register for the Event

Prior to registering for the event, qualified attendees are advised to determine their Workshop Choices (PDF). Then, they may visit our Online PJ Library Annual Conference Registration Form to submit a registration for the event.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE

The deadline to register for the Conference is Monday, March 5, 2012.

Questions?

Please direct all questions and concerns to conference organizer Judi Wisch by calling her at 413-439-1973 or by sending e-mail to judi@hgf.org.