Day 17 of 18 Years of PJ Library in 18 Days
Today we meet Asher + Purple - two readers whose favorite PJ Library books sparked passions in very different ways.
Asher loves historical fiction and baseball stories, the kind that transport you to another time while reminding you how powerful courage, teamwork, and perseverance can be. PJ Library helped bring history to life through the lens of something he already loved.
And Purple? She was so inspired by one of her PJ Library books that she decided to start a business of her own. Proof that stories don’t just entertain - they ignite imagination, confidence, and big ideas.
For 18 years, PJ Library has helped children discover who they are, what they love, and what’s possible.
Stay tuned as we continue celebrating 18 years of stories, sparks, and connection.
ONLY ONE DAY LEFT!!!
Day 16 of 18 Years of PJ Library in 18 Days!
Today, we meet Maddie, whose favorite PJ Library book combines some of her very favorite things: sports, friendship, and the subjects she loves most. ⚽📚✨
One of the beautiful things about PJ Library is that children don’t just learn from these stories — they see themselves in them. Whether it’s a shared hobby, a familiar feeling, or characters who care about the same things they do, those moments of connection can turn a book into their book.
For 18 years, PJ Library has helped children across Greater Philadelphia discover stories that reflect who they are and what they love. Thank you, Maddie, for reminding us how meaningful it is when kids can find themselves in the pages of a story.
Not every PJ Library connection has to be a big, life-changing moment. Sometimes it’s something wonderfully small…like realizing you and a character both procrastinate.
On Day 15 of 18 Years of PJ Library in 18 Days, we meet Silvie, whose favorite PJ Library book made her feel seen in the tiniest, most ordinary way. And that’s the magic of stories: even small moments of recognition can stay with us for years.
Because when children see themselves reflected in books - their quirks, habits, worries, humor, and humanity - they learn that who they are belongs in the story, too.
Day 14 of 18 Years of PJ Library in 18 Days!!!
Meet Ori - whose own story might be one of the most “PJ Library” stories ever.
His parents loved a character from a PJ Library book so much, they chose his name because of it. 🥹
Think about that for a second: a story arriving in the mail each month became part of this child’s identity forever.
That’s the magic of PJ Library. These books don’t just live on shelves. They become bedtime rituals, family conversations, favorite memories - and sometimes even baby names.
For 18 years, PJ Library has helped Jewish families in Greater Philadelphia build connection, tradition, and belonging one story at a time. And thanks to Jewish Learning Venture, families receive these books completely free of charge.
Happy Day 14… and thank you, Ori, for reminding us how powerful stories can be.
Day 13 of 18 Years of PJ Library in 18 Days!!!
Meet Rachel, whose favorite PJ Library book introduced her to the story of Anne Frank and inspired her to visit The Anne Frank House herself with her family.
One of the most remarkable parts of growing up with PJ Library is watching how children connect with stories at different stages of life. What begins as curiosity about a character or a book can grow into a deeper understanding of history, identity, empathy, and the wider world around them.
These books do more than fill bookshelves. They spark questions, inspire journeys, and help young readers discover meaningful connections that stay with them far beyond story time.
🌿 Walk the Gardens -This Week! 🌿
Looking for a peaceful and enjoyable way to spend time outdoors and connect with others? Join jkidphilly grandparents/grandpals for Walk the Gardens, a guided stroll through beautiful new garden spaces, followed by optional lunch and conversation.
Whether you’re coming with a friend or on your own, this is a lovely opportunity to enjoy nature, community, and fresh air together.
🗓 Happening in two days! Thursday, May 14, 12pm
📍 Location shared upon registration
💵 $15 per person
🥪 Optional lunch/snacks afterwards
Register today: jkidphilly.org/event/walk-the-gardens/
Day 12 of 18 Years of PJ Library in 18 Days brings us Vivian!!!
Viv’s favorite PJ Library book is all about making challah together as a family - and honestly, that’s exactly why these books matter so much.
PJ Library stories don’t just live on the page. They spark connection around the table, inspire meaningful moments, and help turn small rituals into lasting traditions. One story can become Thursday night baking, flour-covered hands, family laughter, and memories that stick for years to come.
Thank you, Viv, for reminding us that the magic of PJ Library isn’t only in the reading…it’s in everything that happens after the book closes.
Day 11 of 18 Years of PJ Library in 18 Days!!!
Today we meet Nessah, whose favorite PJ Library book reminds us of something so important: nothing about us is a mistake. We are each exactly who we’re meant to be - and when we show up wholly as ourselves, there is a place for us to belong and be welcomed.
The wisdom kids pull from these stories is always incredible - simple, honest, and somehow exactly what the grownups need, too.
For 18 years, PJ Library has been putting these kinds of conversations into family homes one book at a time, helping raise thoughtful, compassionate little humans (who occasionally end up teaching the rest of us a thing or two).
Thanks for sharing your heart with us, Nessah.
Day 10 of 18 Years of PJ Library in 18 Days belongs to Zeev!!!
And honestly? On Mother’s Day especially, every mom is going to look at this punim and absolutely melt.
Zeev shared his favorite PJ Library book with us, reminding us that these stories become so much more than bedtime books - they become part of family routines, inside jokes, cuddle time, and the memories our kids will carry forever.
For 18 years, PJ Library has helped families build Jewish connection one story at a time, and thanks to the generosity of Jewish Learning Venture, these books arrive in mailboxes completely free for local families.
We’re pretty sure Zeev’s smile says it all.
Day 9 of 18 Years of PJ Library in 18 Days!
Today we’re celebrating Garnet + Aldo and the PJ Library/PJ Our Way books that make them feel connected, inspired, and excited to read again and again.
One of the most beautiful things about PJ Library - and our community at JLV - is helping every child and family feel seen, included, and like they truly belong. Through stories that reflect the many ways to experience Jewish life, kids like Aldo and Garnet can find pieces of themselves on every page.
Here’s to more years of truly welcoming every reader.
What does Jewish *actually* look like?
Join us for an adult interactive workshop exploring Jewish identity, belonging, and representation with author Liz Kleinrock - inspired by the anthology What Jewish Looks Like, where voices from across the Jewish world disrupt stereotypes and celebrate how diverse we truly are.
🗓 Sunday, May 31 • 1:00 – 2:30 PM
📍 Philadelphia (exact location given after registration)
👥 Adults only - grab a friend and a story
Does Liz’s experience resonate with you?
Have you ever been told you don’t “look Jewish?"
We’d love to hear your story and explore this together in community.
🔗 Register now and be part of this meaningful conversation!
Link in our bio.
Day 8 of 18 Years of PJ Library in 18 Days!!!
Meet Sam, who says his favorite PJ Library book is the one he asks to read “again…and again…and AGAIN.” (Parents everywhere felt that 😂)
Every month, families open their mailbox to find stories that spark imagination, connection, laughter, and Jewish joy - completely free to them. That’s because our community, through JLV, helps make these magical book moments possible for local families year after year.
One beloved book in a child’s hands may seem small, but those bedtime stories become memories, traditions, and conversations that last far beyond the final page.
Thanks for celebrating 18 years of storytime with us - and for helping us keep the books coming for kids like Sam.
