Journey to 18 (and Beyond!)
PJ Library has grown by leaps and bounds. Follow along as we map the adventure.
By Alex Zablotsky, Managing Director
This story appeared in the December 2023 issue of PROOF, a PJ Library magazine.
From local beginnings, PJ Library has stretched across the world to carry out its mission — to help families connect to Jewish values, traditions, and culture. But PJ Library couldn’t have become the global connector it is today without support. Generous donors, community partners, and many others who believe in PJ Library’s work have made these incredible achievements possible.
“Setting a strong Jewish and Israeli foundation for my children is so important to me but something I have struggled with,” says Michelle Miller, of Inverness, Illinois. “Because of PJ Library books, I am able to pass that knowledge on. A donation to PJ Library seemed like a no-brainer.”
Thanks to supporters like Michelle around the globe, PJ Library is reaching more families in more places than ever before. But as we take a moment to celebrate our 18-year milestone, we’re already looking ahead. Because the truth is this: We’re only getting started.
2005
PJ Library is born
The Harold Grinspoon Foundation starts sending free Jewish books to about 200 children in Western Massachusetts. They’re a hit!
2007
PJ Library expands across the US and Canada
PJ Library goes national, thanks to incredible Jewish federations, JCCs, and other partners.
2008
First PJ Library International Conference
This annual gathering celebrates, connects, and trains family-engagement professionals.
2009
Sifriyat Pijama launches in Israel
Sifriyat Pijama (“Pajama Library”), PJ Library’s Israeli counterpart, begins delivering vibrant books in Hebrew to Israeli schools. It has since provided 25 million books to more than 3 million children.
2012
PJ Library en Español begins
Since launching in Mexico, PJ Library en Español has translated nearly 200 titles and distributed 230,000 books throughout the Spanish-speaking world. Book translations in Russian, Ukrainian, German, and Portuguese have followed.
2013
PJ Library Alliance launches
Each member of this transformational circle of philanthropists pledges $1 million or more to grow and deepen PJ Library’s work. To learn more, visit pjlibrary.org/alliance.
2014
PJ Publishing goes live
PJ Library launches its own in-house press. It has published over 40 board books, picture books, and chapter books.
2016
Grandparents join the conversation
To spark intergenerational joy, we offer grandparents a taste of PJ Library. (Sign up at pjlibrary.org/grandparents.)
2018
First edition of PJ Library’s Haggadah published
In Every Generation: A PJ Library Family Haggadah debuts at Passover seders (ritual meals). Now available in six languages, enlarged print, and braille.
2019
Podcasts start making (sound) waves
PJ Library launches the first of three storytelling series for kids. Families have downloaded award-winning PJ Library podcasts 700,000-plus times!
2022
PJ Library goes to space!
It’s storytime on the International Space Station! Israeli businessman Eytan Stibbe broadcasts a reading of the Sifriyat Pijama book A Beautiful World.
2023
PJ Library celebrates 18 years
Thank you for being part of our journey! Our work is just beginning. We hope you’ll join us for what’s next!
