For over 5 years now, the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg has been actively involved in the PJ Library program, which provides books free books and music to help Jewish families transmit their heritage to their children.   Winnipeg Jewish children ages six months to eight years who are registered with the PJ Library program experience the magic of Jewish bedtime stories and songs each month.  PJ Library is free to subscribers, to ensure there are no barriers to participation.  

As Florencia Katz, of the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg who co-ordinates the PJ Library program explains, "The PJ Library program was established by Jewish philanthropist and real estate entrepreneur Harold Grinspoon in 1993 in Springfield, Massachusetts and since then it has grown to close to 200 communities around North America."

She adds, "The Harold Grinspoon Foundation covers a little more than half the cost of the PJ Library program in Winnipeg, and the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg, with the support of additional gifts, funds the remainder of $50 per child.  Each dollar donated and invested locally is more than matched by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation."

"Donors to the Combined Jewish Appeal will no doubt be pleased to know that part of their annual donation goes to supporting the PJ Library program. There is nothing more magical and nurturing than reading stories with your child or grandchild. PJ Library transforms these wonderful early childhood experiences into powerful Jewish learning experiences," says Katz, who is the Co-ordinator of Informal Jewish Education of the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg.

Books are carefully selected to match the age of each child, and the program includes books about time honoured Jewish values and holiday cycles. "This makes it easier than ever before for young families to bring Jewish culture into their home", Katz notes.

As Marissa Hochman, Chair of the PJ Library Advisory Committee wrote last June in a newsletter for PJ library's 5th anniversary in Winnipeg, "... it is with pride that we note that our original hope of 150 child subscribers has grown so dramatically to the current level of 750," one "which far exceeded our hopes.”

As one parent who is part of the program said, “We have two boys, a 1 year old and a 4 years old. Our older son anxiously awaits his PJ Library books from the mail with excitement. He opens the book and runs to me. “Mom, I’ve got new book, please read!” Now he knows more about Jewish holidays and Israel. His favourite book is ‘Dinosaur Goes to Israel’. After reading this book probably a million times, our son said he must go to Israel and taste falafel. Besides reading PJ Library to our kids we also take them to PJ Library events and even a theater play ‘A Horse for Hanukkah’. They enjoy being involved in Jewish culture and we love that they can be part of it. Thanks PJ Library!”

According to Katz, "Since the launch in 2009, more than 1000 children have received 32,246 books, a stack taller than the Richardson Building. Currently about 750 children receive books. For many of these young families, PJ Library programs are their only point of contact with the organized Jewish community.  Our goal is to provide every eligible child with this gift from their community." 

From the beginning PJ staff has collaborated on programs with other community organizations. "Hundreds  have attended PJ Library programs throughout the year offered by our partners, Congregation Etz Chayim, Congregation Shaarey Zedek, Herzlia Adas Yeshurun Congregation, the Winnipeg Jewish Theatre, the Rady Jewish Community Centre, and our own PJ Library Advisory Committee," Katz notes.

The PJ Library Winnipeg also has a FB page . 

"Facebook is another way the PJ Library families stay connected by staying up to date with events coming up, sharing resources, checking for pictures of past events, etc. The PJ Library sends out a monthly e-newsletter sharing info about books coming to their homes that month, resources for parents, PJ programs offered and other programs for young families," Katz says.

"We have a strong PJ Library advisory committee who regularly meets to plan and organize programs for families, many of them at Public spaces. [PJ committee members  are: Ana Estrin, Aviva Goldberg, Cheryl Altman, and Dana Binder, Helena Yemetz, Jennifer Curtis, Marisa Hochman, Sandy Hyman, Shabi Michaeli, Sharon Goldenberg, Sherri Pinkerton,Silvana Benesdra.]

"We just had a very successful PJ Library Havdalah Pool party in conjunction with the Rady JCC, we were part of the community wide Tu B’ Shevat celebration last Sunday at the Children’s Museum and we are having a ‘PJ on Ice’ Family program at the MTS Iceplex on Sunday, February 8. You can find out more about all these programs on the PJ website", says Katz

After almost 6 years in Winnipeg, PJ Library is expanding to celebrate I Love to Read Month in February by offering a variety of activities, programs and a contest to celebrate our Love for reading!

PJ Library –Kaufman Silverberg Library Book Contest

*PJ Library Bookmark Colouring Contest* 

Pick up the book contest form or bookmark for colouring at any of the PJ events in February or stop in at the Kaufman Silverberg Library at the Asper Campus, or call for more information 204.480.7559