After three years of mostly virtual programming, there will be a relaunch event for PJ Library and PJ Our Way in Southern Arizona, Purim Palooza! on Sunday, February 19 from 10am to 2pm at the Children’s Museum of Tucson. The program is free and open to families currently enrolled or eligible to be enrolled in PJ Library.
PJ Library sends Jewish children’s books free of charge to families across the world every month. PJ Library shares Jewish stories that can help families talk together about values and traditions that are important to them. The hope is that families everywhere see PJ Library books both as mirrors and windows. The desire is for families to see themselves in the stories, so the books feel relatable and relevant. Families can also learn something new about Jewish customs or traditions that are different than theirs. A program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, PJ Library is made possible through partnerships with philanthropists and local Jewish organizations.
PJ Library welcomes all Jewish families, whatever their background, knowledge, family make-up, or observance may be. PJ Library is for children up to age 8, and PJ Our Way is for youth 9- to 12- years old. As children are learning about the world around them, PJ Library books can bring Jewish ideas and inspiration for families to share together.
Since the launch of PJ Library in Southern Arizona in October 2008, Jewish Philanthropies of Southern Arizona (JPSA), has built a strong foundation as the original local programming partner. In 2022, JPSA and Tucson J leadership came together to discuss the future of PJ Library and determined that the Tucson J will be the lead programming partner moving forward. The Tucson J and JPSA will work collaboratively to ensure adequate funding for PJ Library in Southern Arizona through philanthropy and will share in the promotion and storytelling of the program, a vital platform in engaging families with young children in Jewish life.
For 2023, PJ Library in Southern Arizona aspires to increase enrollment, to create more touchpoints for enrolled families to connect with Jewish life and each other, and to empower parents to create Jewish experiences for their peers and families.
To facilitate reaching our goals, the PJ Library professional team will work collaboratively with volunteer leadership, synagogues, and Tucson Hebrew Academy, in addition to building partnerships with the broader community. Moving to a relationship-based model, PJ Library in Southern Arizona will be investing in parent connectors to build peer-to-peer relationships, to create a plethora of experiences and touchpoints for families and adults, and to assist in creating signature programs that bring together different PJ micro-communities.
For information about PJ Library in Southern Arizona, to enroll your child, or RSVP for the upcoming event, contact PJLibrary@TucsonJCC.org.
