About PJ Library
Is it really free?
Yes!
How can this program be free?
PJ Library is free to families forever, but of course books and programs cost money. Thousands of donors work together to help pay these costs. PJ Library is always seeking new funds to reach more families. Costs are covered by a partnership between the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, members of the PJ Library Alliance, and families who “Pay it Forward” to make sure PJ Library can reach more families. In most communities there is an agency such as a Jewish federation, Jewish Community Center, or synagogue that is a key partner in making PJ Library possible locally. Click here to provide support for PJ Library in your community.
What does PJ stand for?
Pajamas! PJ Library supports reading anytime of the day, but we know that many families sit down to read books at bedtime, in their pajamas. PJ Library books can be enjoyed any time you want a good story.
What ages does PJ Library serve?
Your child can start receiving books as soon as they are born and can continue receiving them every month for many years. Each community determines how long they will run PJ Library, but most go up until age 9. Kids can continue their PJ experience by signing up for PJ Our Way, the next chapter of PJ Library, for kids ages 9 through 12.
Is PJ Library affiliated with any Jewish movement?
No, PJ Library isn’t affiliated with any Jewish movement, but we have a wide variety of partners from every corner of the Jewish world.
How can I donate to PJ Library?
Please visit our donate page.
Can I purchase a book/CD from PJ Library?
PJ Library does not sell books. However, nearly every book we send out is available at bookstores or on amazon.com. PJ Library CDs aren’t available for sale, but many of the artists on the CDs have music for sale on iTunes or cdbaby.com.
Who Gets PJ Library Books
Can any family receive PJ Library books?
All families raising Jewish children are eligible to receive PJ Library books. Please note that families identifying as Messianic Jewish are not eligible for PJ Library. We welcome everyone, regardless of eligibility, to access the PJ Library website for our book lineups, craft ideas and reading tips.
How soon can I sign my child up?
You may register your child’s information as soon as they are born!
Do I need to renew each year?
No.
My child is about to turn 9. Can I sign her up for PJ Library?
Kids across the United States can continue their PJ experience by signing up for PJ Our Way, the next chapter of PJ Library for kids ages 9-12. Kids are eligible to enroll when they turn 8.5 through the day before their 13th birthday. Each month kids go to the PJ Our Way website to choose which book they would like to receive from a selection of age-appropriate books with Jewish themes. Learn more about PJ Our Way.
My child has special needs and would do better with books aimed for child of a different age. What should I do?
We're happy to make an accommodation for any child with any special learning needs. Please contact your community's Program Professional. We welcome your child's enrollment in any age group you deem appropriate.
How do I enroll a new sibling?
Submit their information through our enrollment form.
About the Books
How are PJ Library books selected?
A book selection committee of foremost early-childhood educators and children's literature experts choose our age-appropriate book and music list. The Book Selection Committee strives to curate the very best children’s story books that convey Jewish values, traditions, and themes for the broad spectrum of families raising Jewish children. Working with authors, agents, publishers, and editors the committee strives to ensure that the finest Jewish books for children find their way each month into the mailboxes of all PJ Library families. Learn more about PJ Library book selection here.
I’ve heard I can sign up to get some books in Hebrew. How do I do that?
At the present time, PJ Library only distributes books in English in the United States and Canada.
Receiving Books
Why did I receive the same book twice?
We try to prevent this from happening, but sometimes we love a book so much that we send it out more than once. You may have a copy from an older child and receive another copy for your younger child. If your family doesn’t need that book, consider donating it elsewhere. Your local Program Professional can also help you find a home for books your family no longer reads.
How do I change my address?
Use our change my address form. If you’re staying in the same geographic area as before, you can also visit your community page and use the change address link there.
If you’re moving to a new area, you’ll also need to sign up again with your new community (find it here). Don’t worry, we’ll make sure you don’t get twice as many books. It takes about 8 weeks for the change of address to go through, so it’s best to do this as early as possible.
How do I cancel my subscription?
We hate to see you go, but if you’d like to cancel, you can unsubscribe here.
I didn’t get a book last month. What happened?
Please email pjlibrary@hgf.org with your name and address and we will look into the situation.
I signed up and haven’t received any books yet. How long before I should expect to receive a book?
It takes about 2 months to start receiving books after you sign up. If it has been longer than 2 months and you still haven’t received a book, please contact your Community Program Professional.
I received a damaged book. What should I do?
Please email us at pjlibrary@hgf.org and we will help you out.
Recommending Books for PJ Library
How can I recommend a title for PJ Library?
Please check out the guidelines for PJ Library books first, and then email us at pjlibrary@hgf.org.
How can I submit a book/manuscript to PJ Library?
Please check out the guidelines for PJ Library books.