Of the 265,000 books PJ Library sends monthly to children across the US and Canada, more than 40,000 land in homes across New York City’s five boroughs, Long Island, and Westchester. Widely known for its Jewish history and population, NYC continues to be a hub for Jewish culture, activity, and pride, with PJ Library helping families to connect with Jewish organizations and each other.
As the weather warms up and the school year comes to end, PJ Library is kicking off summer in the city with several activities and festivities celebrating Jewish New York’s longstanding vibrancy.
Jewish American Heritage Month at Brooklyn Public Library
In honor of Jewish American Heritage Month every May, PJ Library is partnering with UJA-Federation to bring four special events to several branches of Brooklyn Public Library (BPL). Sundays from June 7 through July 19, library-goers can find Onions and Garlic illustrator Sabina Hahn and Until the Blueberries Grow author Jennifer Wolf Kamm at BPL’s Central Branch at Grand Army Plaza, as well as the Greenpoint and Brooklyn Heights locations for special read-alouds, Q&As, art projects, and workshops.
“We’re so excited to bring these beloved PJ Library creators to Brooklyn Public Library,” says Margaret Piraino, Community Engagement and Events Coordinator, PJ Library in New York. “It’s vitally important for Jewish kids and families to see Jewish books celebrated in public places, showing them how important and possible it is to be outwardly and proudly Jewish. It’s also a privilege to showcase these stories for non-Jewish kids who frequent the library, and enable them to see into a culture and tradition they may not be intimately familiar with. We’re thankful to Brooklyn Public Library and UJA-Federation for a beautiful opportunity to celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month, Jewish books, and Jewish authors and illustrators with our fellow booklovers and allies.”
Head to Brooklyn Public Library’s website to learn more and find details.
The Great New York Scavenger Hunt
This summer, families are invited once again to celebrate Jewish immigrant history and culture with The Great New York Scavenger Hunt, a free, interactive adventure presented by PJ Library. From Memorial through Labor Day, participants can take a self-led journey through two iconic Jewish neighborhoods — the Lower East Side and Upper West Side — to uncover stories of Jewish heritage and its lasting influence on NYC and search for PJ Library books hidden in windows and interiors.
“NYC was shaped by the Jewish immigrant experience,” says Meara Ashtivker, Director of PJ Library New York and Director of Acquisitions. “This scavenger hunt is in recognition of, or maybe appreciation for, the generation that came before us. Last year, families told us they loved searching for our stories at these historic Jewish landmarks and bringing them into context using books familiar to their kids. This year, we’re excited to add three new locations on the Upper West Side, enhancing the experience and our partnerships with iconic Jewish institutions.”
This scavenger hunt offers families an exciting way to explore NYC’s historic neighborhoods, taste traditional Jewish foods, visit cultural institutions, and connect with stories of immigration and resilience — all while enjoying PJ Library’s celebrated children’s books. To start your quest, simply head to PJLibrary.org/NYCScavengerHunt.
Book Drops
From April 24 to May 4, PJ Library held its third annual “Book Drop.” PJ Library Book Drops invite partner organizations to place bins in their front entry spaces so that families can drop off PJ Library books they have outgrown. The benefits are three-fold: Families make space for new books, people who might not stop by otherwise come through partners’ doors, and PJ Library is able to recycle books into new programming.
Originally, five partners stepped up to accept books. Now, 42 synagogues, JCCs, preschools, community centers, and organizations across the five boroughs, Westchester, and Long Island participating have become touchpoints for families looking to part with tried-and-true titles. PJ Library collects these thousands of books and recycles them in a smart, sustainable way, giving them away at partner programming, holidays, and book fairs. In addition, through our “books to business” program, we give the books to secular businesses to offer to customers and clients. “It’s a great way to reuse our resources and support our partners in welcoming Jewish families,” says Piraino.
Celebrate Israel Parade
Last but not least, catch the PJ Library float for one day only at the Celebrate Israel Parade on May 31 as it marches down Fifth Avenue. More than 50 families are already signed up to attend, wave flags, and celebrate the connective power of books, bridging the gap from NYC to Tel Aviv.
“PJ Library sends books that span a wealth of Jewish stories, including ones grounded in the Jewish connection to Israel. No matter where our readers live, they can learn about and connect to the place and people of Israel,” says Ashtivker. “We are proud to share stories that promote a sense of responsibility to the country and its people, and to bring our families together for a chance to celebrate the resiliency, beauty, culture, and stories of Israel on the streets of NYC!”
