FAQs
What does PJ stand for?
Pajamas! Because we know special times of reading together and dancing along with music happen when you’re in your PJs!
Why are you giving me all of this stuff?
Because fundamentally, we believe that when parents and children read together, it changes the world.
There are some fantastic Jewish children’s books out there – books that are as wonderful as the classics you may have been reading to your children already. We know high quality Jewish books can be expensive and difficult to find. We are sending these materials to you because we want you to have them. We believe sharing these stories and songs will enrich your family life.
What’s the catch?
One catch – you need to READ the books and LISTEN to the music. Read, listen and sing along to your heart’s content!
What will my child/ren be receiving over the course of the year?
Each child will receive a total of ten children’s books and one CD. In addition to that, one month’s mailing will be a parenting book for the adults of the family to enjoy. It is our intention not to send duplicate copies of CDs or parenting books to any families. To learn what specific selections your child/ren will be receiving, visit the Books & Music link.
How is it determined what books my child/ren will be receiving?
Books are selected by a Book Selection Committee made up of experts in the fields of Jewish Library Science and Early Childhood Education. Seven different book lists were developed specifically for each age group. Children enrolled in The PJ Library are assigned to an age group determined at the time of enrollment.
Will my younger child get the same books as my older child?
We have selected a unique list of materials for each age group. Our lists do change yearly, however, there are some books we consider to be classics and therefore, they will never be rotated out. If your younger child eventually gets some duplicates of books your older child received, remember how special it is for each child to have his/her “own” copy. You can also choose to use the newer copy and “retire” an older, worn book.
What do I do with books that my child is not ready to hear yet?
Sometimes it is simply wonderful to begin building a library. Enjoy the books yourself for now, or share them with your child using your own words. When your child is ready, take the book off the shelf and enjoy it as it was written.
Do I have to sign up at a certain time of year?
You may sign up during any month of the year. Enjoying any selection does not depend on information from a previous book.
I’ve heard that The PJ Library is for children through age 7. Can my seven-year old be enrolled?
Absolutely! So long as your child is enrolled before his/her eigth birthday, s/he will receive all of the selections for seven-year olds over the course of one year. Plans are currently underway to expand The PJ Library to include eight year olds!
Where is The PJ Library available?
The PJ Library is expanding daily. The PJ Library can be found in big cities and small communities across the country. Check our list of current communities for the most up-to-date list. Each community tailors The PJ Library to meet its own desires and needs, and most offer a limited number of spaces.
How can I enroll someone else for The PJ Library?
If the child you would like to enroll lives in an area where The PJ Library is already up and running, simply sign up the child by going to the Sign Up page. We will send that family a postcard letting them know you signed them up.
If you would like to enroll a child who does not live in a PJ community, that is also feasible so long as you pay a subscription fee. Please email us at PJLibrary@HGF.org for more information.
How long will it take for my child to receive the first book?
Most families receive their first book within eight weeks of signing up for The PJ Library. Books are mailed out on the first of each month. Because we use bulk mail, they usually arrive in homes mid-month. If you have not received your first book with eight weeks, please contact your local PJ organizer so that we may resolve the problem.
I signed up my newborn but have not received anything yet. Is that normal?
Each child that is signed up will receive this welcome pamphlet introducing The PJ Library. After that, babies will start receiving books at the age of six months. If your baby passes that milestone and you still have not received any books, please let us know so we can look into it.
Where can I find a list of great Jewish children’s books?
Click on the Books and Music link. Our full books and music lists for all ages are available.
I have misplaced my reading guide. Can I get another?
Yes. Simply go to the Books and Music link. Click on the block with the age of your child. Images of the books will click through to the reading guide.
What other resources can you suggest for my family?
The internet is a phenomenal place for family resources. We’ve suggested a few of our favorite website on the links page.