Free books for children and so much more

Studies show that reading to a child starts a lifelong love of books and literature. And reading books with a Jewish theme can engage a child in Jewish life while fostering Jewish learning. The PJ Library program is banking on that.

Each month, PJ Library (pjlibrary.org) sends free age-appropriate books that celebrate Jewish culture and values to families with children ages 6 months to 8 years. For children ages 9-11, PJ Our Way supplies chapter books. 

And that’s just the beginning of the story. Thanks to the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, in partnership with the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island and local donors, Rhode Island families can enjoy many other activities from PJ Library.

This year, locally, PJ Library has expanded programming beyond the monthly story hours that it holds in the Alliance’s Dwares Jewish Community Center, in Providence (for the dates of story hours, check the Calendar Highlights, or the Calendar of Events at the website, www.jewishrhody.com/calendar).  

“We are trying to bring it to more public spaces like bookstores,” said Lyndsey Ursillo, manager of family programs at the Alliance. “We are trying to do a range of activities, from cooking programs to story times to partnerships with community events, like the Hope Street Stroll and activities at local temples.”

For Tu b’Shevat, author Jamie Korngold read several of her “Sadie” books to a roomful of children at the JCC. Afterward, the children enjoyed a craft activity and snack. 

On several Fridays, Ursillo has organized a family challah-baking activity.

Ursillo said there’s a waiting list of families who want to sign up for the free books. But even those who aren’t yet receiving books are welcome at PJ Library events.  

“It’s not just about the books. This is about engaging families,” she said. “It’s an opportunity for families to meet other families they wouldn’t otherwise know.”

 For more information about PJ Library, contact Lindsey Ursillo (lursillo@jewishallainceri.org) at 401-421-4111.

FRAN OSTENDORF (fostendorf@jewishallianceri.org) is editor of Jewish Rhode Island.