Thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you do.
What may seem like a simple gesture — sending a free book — becomes something truly powerful inside our home. Every time that envelope arrives with my daughter’s name on it, her face lights up. She feels seen, special, and proud, and she knows a new story has arrived just for her.
And then that book becomes a moment that’s hard to put into words: my daughter and I sitting together, reading, imagining, learning, and connecting — building her love of reading, strengthening her memory and curiosity, and deepening our connection to our Jewish life, values, and beliefs. You’re not just mailing books — you’re creating joy, identity, and lasting memories for families.
—LORENA M., A PJ LIBRARY PARENT
Dear Members of the PJ Library Community,
If you look at PJ Library’s key program numbers year over year, you might notice something: PJ Library has grown — a lot. In June 2025, PJ Library sent 248,360 books to children ages 0-12 across North America. In June 2026, PJ Library sent 270,964 books to the same demographic. That’s a 9% increase in just one year. And it’s not an accident.
This past fiscal year, PJ Library and PJ Our Way applied renewed focus to growth. We have always experimented with new ways to reach Jewish children around the world, no matter their location or level of connectedness to the wider Jewish community. But data from the past few years — gathered in our 2024 triennial subscriber survey and anecdotally — confirms that PJ Library plays an especially critical role in current times. PJ Library strengthens children’s Jewish identity, plants seeds of pride, and fosters the resilience necessary to fortify kids in a changed world. What better time than now to improve access for families?
We’ve been growing PJ Library’s subscriber base by focusing on community partnerships, events, and digital marketing. As you’ll see in the pages of this report, our efforts are bearing fruit.
Thank you for your commitment to a bright Jewish future.
Winnie Sandler Grinspoon President Harold Grinspoon Foundation
The books and resources are free for families — but of course they aren’t free.
Purchasing, distributing, sourcing, creating, and designing the unique Jewish content that PJ Library offers is a big investment! Because of committed partners and generous donors, PJ Library reaches families around the world with treasured stories and critical parenting resources. PJ Library supporters, partners, and volunteers make local and international programs possible so that families with young children can access tools to help them raise resilient and proud children and make meaningful connections to the Jewish community.
$19.5 Million
Harold Grinspoon Foundation
“Together with many philanthropic partners, we can strengthen and grow the Jewish community through engaging opportunities for connection.” — Harold Grinspoon
$6.7 Million
PJ Library Alliance Partners
The PJ Library Alliance is a collective of leading supporters who each pledge a minimum of $1 million to expand and deepen PJ Library’s work.
$6.0 Million
Community Partners: Federations, JCCs, etc.
Over 200 community partners around the globe support the cost of PJ Library subscriptions in their area and engage local families through programming and events.
$9.2 Million
Individual and Institutional Supporters
More than 8,000 PJ Library grandparents, parents, and friends give generous donations that help bring stories, programs, and resources to Jewish families around the world.
$2.7 Million
Israeli Ministry of Education
Sifriyat Pijama, PJ Library’s sister program in Israel, reaches children ages 1-8 in daycare centers, preschools, and elementary schools.
$44+ Million
PJ Library and Sifriyat Pijama + + + +
An additional estimated $8 million is spent (on local staffing, engagement, and outreach costs) by PJ Library’s partner organizations around the world.
PJ Library Is Growing
PJ Library delivers beautiful monthly books to more than 30% of non-Haredi Jewish children ages 0-8 in the US and Canada. That’s a big number, but every day we ask: How can we help even more families access the joy of PJ Library?
This past fiscal year, PJ Library partnered with Jewish organizations and marketing agencies to help more families discover PJ Library and drive new growth. These partnerships allowed PJ Library to design innovative acquisition strategies (such as reaching busy families through social media and giving children books on El Al flights!) to widen our reach in your neighborhood and around the world.
As donors and partners, you make this investment possible and enable more families to engage proudly, meaningfully, and joyfully with their Jewish identity.
Get Together Is Taking Off
There are more ways to do Jewish than you can count. That’s why PJ Library empowers families to get together with other Jewish families their way, with financial assistance to offset the cost. The Get Together program makes it easier for families to build their own thriving Jewish communities.
In 2024-25, PJ Library awarded just over 3,000 Get Together microgrants. This year, we streamlined and simplified the process, making it easier for families to hear about the program and host events. The changes led to impressive growth!
In 2025-26, PJ Library awarded more than 15,000 Get Together microgrants — a new record! We received over 1,700 Get Together reports during Hanukkah alone.
Overall, more than 45,000 families hosted or attended a Get Together this fiscal year, forging bonds of friendship and community.
The Get Together program has been an incredible aid in hosting Shabbat regularly, as it takes so much financial pressure away, especially when hosting larger groups. It has allowed me to expand our community with ease. Through hosting Shabbat, I have continued to learn more about Jewish traditions, and I have found a deep connection to my Jewish heritage through our community. I love this program and am so incredibly grateful for it —MEG R., A PJ
Creating the Stories Jewish Children Grow Up With
Since its launch in 2014, PJ Publishing — PJ Library’s in-house imprint — has broadened the canon of Jewish children’s literature. Through original board books, picture books, chapter books, middle-grade books, and graphic novels in multiple languages, PJ Publishing reflects the diversity of Jewish families today.
Celebrating Purim
In February, PJ Publishing shared three new Purim storybooks to help families celebrate the holiday. Among them was Purim Possibilities, written by Barbara Kimmel and illustrated by Irina Avgustinovich. This new board book features mix-and-match sticker costumes that invite young children to use their imagination.
Shabbat, Challah, and a Family in South America
In January, PJ Publishing released Challahbaloo! by Elizabeth Suneby, with illustrations by Adriana Hernández Bergstrom. Bursting with bright colors and lively animal friends, the book follows a family through a Shabbat evening as they make challah dough and sit down to dinner with loved ones.
Everyday Moments
Bless the World, written by Lesléa Newman and illustrated by Noa Mishkin, is a lyrical board book celebrating small everyday moments as a family appreciates each other and the world around them.
More Than Books
Deepening Our Impact at Home
Over the past year, PJ Library helped families bring Jewish values and traditions into their homes through a growing collection of resources that celebrate Jewish life.
Holiday Guides
PJ Library’s holiday guides give parents an accessible way to celebrate Jewish holidays. 91% of families said the guides helped them involve their children more meaningfully.
The holiday guide A Time to Hope actually brought me to tears ... it’s a welcome resource at a time when adding a little more light to our lives is much needed. — A PJ LIBRARY PARENT IN TORONTO
In April, PJ Library reintroduced music as a part of the family experience. Subscribers received a beautifully illustrated insert with their monthly book, featuring a themed playlist along with discussion prompts, vocabulary, and an activity.
Our family loved the soundtracks! We spent an hour listening to each song, talking about what they meant, which ones we liked the most, and my memories of learning them as a kid. It was so wonderful!
— A PJ LIBRARY PARENT IN BOSTON
PJ Library Presents Podcasts for Kids with a Jewish Twist
PJ Library’s award-winning podcast network reached a major milestone in April: surpassing 2 million downloads!
PJ Library Presents flagship shows have racked up honors and awards nominations, including Webby Awards honors, a Common Sense Media endorsement, and recognition for outstanding children’s podcasting (Signal Awards silver winner).
A Program for Kids, by Kids
PJ Our Way (PJOW) is the next chapter of PJ Library for middle grade readers ages 9-12. This monthly book program includes an age-appropriate twist: PJOW subscribers get to choose their own books.
The books often feature protagonists who are exploring what it means to form their Jewish identities, helping readers build a sense of pride and confidence at a time when they too are beginning to define who they are. This past fiscal year, PJ Library grew the number of books mailed each month to PJOW readers from 19,039 to 23,144, reaching more tweens at this critical developmental age.
Readers can also submit book reviews to help their peers decide what to read next. Here is what some young readers are saying about their favorite new stories:
Let It Glow
by Joanne Levy and Marissa Meyer
Aviva is a born performer. Holly has stage fright. Aviva loves lighting the Hanukkah candles. Holly can’t wait to celebrate Christmas with her family. It only takes a single moment to discover they have more in common than they ever imagined…
Sooooooo awesome! A story of trust, friendship, and believing in yourself. It’s one of the best books I’ve read in my life. And trust me, I’ve read A LOT!!!!
Trouble Finds Evie Lefkowitz
by Diana Harmon Asher
After losing her dad, Evie Lefkowitz is still known as “the cantor’s daughter” at Temple Shir Shalom. Her mom is dating the assistant principal, and she’s about to get swept up in a risky school project. PJ Publishing proudly published this witty story of friendship and growing up.
“ “ “
SUPER creative book! I loved this book so much! It’s an amazing book for anyone who loves realistic fiction or even comedy! It has so many unexpected plot twists, and it totally captures the way actual people behave. It was definitely worth the read!
Max in the Land of Lies: A Tale of World War II
by Adam Gidwitz
A thrilling sequel to Max in the House of Spies, this middle-grade historical fiction novel tells the story of a young Jewish boy who becomes a British spy in Nazi Berlin during WWII.
This might be my favorite PJ Our Way book series! This is a great book for people who like history, fantasy, and suspense. If you want a book that you will sit down for hours reading, this book is for you.
2 Million PJ Our Way Books
In January, PJ Our Way marked an incredible milestone when it mailed its 2 millionth book since the program launched in 2016! The 2 millionth book, a copy of Pickled Watermelon by Esty Schachter, was delivered to a very lucky subscriber in Philadelphia.
Pickled Watermelon: Salad for breakfast? Pickled watermelon for snack? Sleeping in a house just for kids instead of at home? Spending a summer in Israel isn’t at all what Molly expected!
Learning and Growing Together
In North America, PJ Library is made possible thanks to 180 Jewish federations, JCCs and other agencies – including hundreds of engagement professionals and volunteers. Each partner provides financial support for PJ Library and a welcoming, easily accessible Jewish experience for families within their community. These community connections form a strong foundation for a child’s Jewish journey.
PJ Library International Conference
PJ Library hosts an annual conference to train, celebrate, and connect PJ Library program professionals and parent connectors who engage families in Jewish life around the world. This past April, 170 attendees representing 82 communities took part in professional development sessions and networked with colleagues over three days in Springfield, Massachusetts. This year, 46% of participants attended for the first time!
This immersive learning experience, led by PJ Library staff and other Jewish professionals and built on a central theme of growth, left attendees inspired and excited to return to their communities full of new ideas and a renewed sense of purpose.
PJ Library International Conference Reflection
About seven years ago, my husband, daughter and I moved to Atlanta for my husband’s job. I was pregnant with our second child, and I felt isolated and lonely because my parents and sister were back in Baltimore. Shortly after arriving in Atlanta, I met a PJ Library parent connector named Pam Cohen. She took me out to lunch and made me feel so welcome.
I’m back in Baltimore now, and last year I started working as a PJ Library parent connector for a Jewish day school. I enjoyed getting to know parents in my school community and building meaningful connections among them. Inspired by the connection to Jewish life that had been so meaningful to me, I applied for a role with the Jewish Connection Network.
Through my new role, I was invited to attend the PJ Library International Conference. When I walked in, I saw Pam! I told her how grateful I was for her friendship years ago as a young parent in a new city. Now I have the chance to give back and help parents in Baltimore build meaningful relationships with one another.
Jenna Lessans
Jenna Lessans, the Louise D. and Morton J. Macks Jewish Connection Network, an agency of The Associated
Reaching Jewish Families
Wherever They Are
In seven languages and on six continents, PJ Library provides inspiring Jewish stories for hundreds of thousands of families worldwide, helping them celebrate their Jewish identity with joy and pride.
Mexico Launched in 2014
PJ Library reaches children through 10 Jewish day schools in Mexico City and smaller communities like Guadalajara. Schools use PJ Library books and resources in plays, graduation ceremonies, and activities with parents and grandparents.
Conversa con tus hijos
SUGERENCIAS
Observa con atención
Mira todas las plantas del jardín del osito. ¿Qué diferencias y similitudes encuentras entre ellas?
¿Cuántas
Thank you for inviting Hannah’s grandfather to celebrate Tu B’Shevat with her! They both came home so happy and excited to tell me about the PJ Library book they received, Why Won’t You Flower? Since that day, Hannah asks me to read it to her every night, and we’ve started watering the plants at home together. — A PJ LIBRARY PARENT IN MEXICO
¿Quiereshacer
Why Won’t You Flower?, written and illustrated by Katarína Macurová, Spanish edition published by arrangement with Tramuntana Editorial and Albatros Media.
¿Por qué no floreces?
¿Qué necesitan los seres vivos para florecer?
En los primeros capítulos de la Torá, D’s le encomienda al primer ser humano la responsabilidad de «trabajar y preservar» el jardín del Edén. En este cuento, el osito trabaja incansablemente en su jardín para cuidar todo lo que crece ahí y, gracias a eso, la naturaleza se beneficia (¡o al menos los conejos del jardín!). La tradición judía recalca la importancia de ocuparse de la tierra, por ejemplo, al dedicar una fiesta entera honrar a los árboles. Tu Bishvat (conocido como el año nuevo o el cumpleaños de los árboles) cae en el día 15 del mes judío de Shvat. En esta festividad, no sólo recordamos las maneras en que las plantas nos ayudan, sino también nuestra responsabilidad de cuidar a la naturaleza en general. Cuidar y compartir El osito cuida a todas las plantas de su jardín con devoción y, cuando una planta no florece como las demás, no se da por vencido. Aunque nada indica que vaya a florecer, el osito persevera y demuestra la importancia de creer que podemos alcanzar nuestros objetivos. Nos recuerda también la leyenda talmúdica de Honi, quien ve un anciano plantando un árbol le pregunta para qué lo hace, si no vivirá lo suficiente para disfrutar de sus frutos. Él simplemente responde: «Así como mis antepasados plantaron árboles para mí, yo los planto para mis descendientes». Por suerte, el osito puede disfrutar los frutos de su esfuerzo al final del cuento, cuando ayuda su inusual planta florecer después de todo.
continúa al reverso de la solapa
PJ Library in Israel, called Sifriyat Pijama, is operated in partnership with the Israeli Ministry of Education. Each month, more than 375,000 books reach children in daycares and classrooms and then travel home to be enjoyed with the whole family. Sifriyat Pijama has been crucial to families in Israel during wartime, offering audiobooks, podcasts, and live story hour programs. In 2025, the new Pijama Doll debuted in 3,000 kindergarten classrooms to help teachers address difficult topics with children and provide a form of emotional support.
In 2025-26, PJ Library distributed hundreds of baby bundles — including board books and invitations to community events — to welcome families with newborns into the local Jewish community.
PJ Library reaches families throughout South Africa, including through Jewish day schools in Johannesburg and Cape Town. This past year, schools in Cape Town invited grandparents to compile their memoirs using PJ Library’s Grandparent Keepsake booklet; they presented the booklets to their grandchildren as meaningful graduation gifts.
Israel Launched in 2009
South Africa Launched in 2018
Australia and New Zealand Launched in 2011
Thank You for Sustaining PJ Library
PJ Library donors play a vital role in sharing Jewish stories and nurturing family experiences that strengthen connections to Jewish life in communities around the world.
Led by the incredible generosity of founder Harold Grinspoon and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, we are proud to recognize and celebrate donors who made a gift of $50,000 or more to PJ Library this past fiscal year.
A special thanks to members of the PJ Library Alliance, who each pledge a minimum of $1 million to support PJ Library’s growth, sustainability, and innovation. Together, with donors of all levels, PJ Library will reach even more families in the year ahead.
PJ Library Alliance:
Harold Grinspoon Foundation
The Marcus Foundation, Inc.
The Azrieli Foundation
Carl & Joann Bianco
Winnie and Steven Grinspoon
Howard & Geraldine Polinger Family Foundation
The Koum Family Foundation
Micah Philanthropies, Ann and Jeremy Pava
Anonymous
Ann and Nate Levine Family Foundation
Crown Family Philanthropies
Jeff Grinspoon and Jon Foley
Joseph and Debra Weinberg Family Foundation
Stefanie and Douglas Kahn
Michael Karp
Mary Ellen and Edward Loebl
The Margolis Family in Memory of Elizabeth Leibson
Marilyn Einstein and Steven Sim Charitable Fund
The Max and Marian Farash Charitable Foundation
Mike & Sofia Segal Family Foundation
The Molly Blank Fund of The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation
One8 Foundation
PELS Tzedek Tirdof Foundation
Stephen Saks
Sam Berman Charitable Foundation
The Sherrie R. Savett Family Foundation
Diane Troderman
Wilf Family Foundations
Walter, Arnee, Sarah & Aaron Winshall
Zucker Family Foundation
Illustrators Circle: $250,000 - $499,999
The Diane and Guilford Glazer Foundation
The Leon and Toby Cooperman Family Foundation
Melinda Goldrich/Goldrich Family Foundation
Michael & Susan Dell Foundation
UJA-Federation of New York
Authors Circle: $100,000 - $249,999
Rita and Charles Bronfman
Cooper Family Foundation
Nancy and Jim Grosfeld
The Klarman Family Foundation
The Openleaf Fund
The Price Family
The Robert R. Wiener Philanthropy
Susan and Steve Kaufman Endowment Fund
The Tepper Foundation
Zellis Family Foundation
Anonymous (3)
Editors Circle: $50,000 - $99,999
Madaleine Berley
Jonathan Blair Frank and Tena Frank
Klipper Family Foundation
The Leon Levine Foundation
The Lewy Family Foundation
The Merenstein Family
Fondation Rothschild
Samis Foundation
Anonymous (2)
PJ Library is one of the most significant Jewish programs
The Marcus Foundation funds. I believe that in the future, folks will reminisce about PJ Library books they read when they were young and want to read those same stories to their children.
Harold Grinspoon gave our founder, Bernie Marcus, a gift: Harold shared his inspiring passion for the Jewish community with Bernie. We are proud to be part of this amazing journey.
– JAY KAIMAN, PRESIDENT OF THE MARCUS FOUNDATION
Here is a preview of what’s coming next year …
PJ Library’s Resilience Project
As Jewish families worldwide confront a surge in antisemitism, PJ Library’s Resilience Project will equip parents with tools to help their children navigate the world around them and connect to their unique and precious heritage with pride.
Resources in development include: A Time to Talk: How to Talk with Your Children about Antisemitism and Build Jewish Resilience; a companion storybook, The Big Bad Thing; videos; podcasts; a blog series; and toolkits to accompany the guide and book for use outside the home.
For more information on this project, contact development@hgf.org.
“
I love being Jewish , and I have seen firsthand how PJ Library’s books and resources help young children develop their own love of being Jewish. That’s why I have updated my estate plans to provide support for PJ Library beyond my lifetime. Won’t you consider joining me by supporting PJ Library with a gift that feels meaningful to you? Together we can strengthen Jewish families — and ensure a proud, resilient Jewish future.
I invite you to contact us so that we can have a conversation about your philanthropic goals and discuss the many creative ways to support PJ Library families. Let’s talk! Email our president, Winnie Sandler Grinspoon, at wgrinspoon@hgf.org or call us at 413-276-0800.
