FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT DOES PJ STAND FOR?
Pyjamas! We know those special times of reading, dancing, and singing together happen when your children are wearing their pyjamas.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO REGISTER?
Families with children from 6 months to 7 years old who have at least one Jewish parent in the household, and currently reside in Toronto, York Region and Peel Region.
WHAT’S THE COST?
PJ Library® is a free program through the generous support of our local donors, UJA Federation of Greater Toronto and UJA Federation's Centre for Jewish Education's WOW! Toronto Initiative and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation.
WHAT WILL MY CHILD/REN BE RECEIVING OVER THE COURSE OF THE YEAR?
Each family will receive a total of 11 children’s books and one CD (in December). Books are selected by a Book Selection Committee made up of experts in the fields of Jewish children's literature and Jewish Early Childhood Education.
I HAVE ONLY ONE CHILD. DO I NEED TO PICK A BOOK CATEGORY?
No – if you have only one child in your family, we will use your child’s birth date to send your child the books most appropriate for him/her.
I HAVE MORE THAN ONE CHILD IN MY FAMILY. HOW DO I CHOOSE WHICH BOOK SELECTIONS ARE RIGHT FOR US?
Since PJ Library subscriptions are one per family, we’ll need you to help us pick the book categories that will work for your family. You may select the age category for your oldest child so that all of your children will enjoy them as they age, or you can select the age category of a younger child so that the older child can enjoy reading that book to his/her sibling. There is no wrong choice! But once made, your choice is final- we are unable to switch you to a different age group once your form is submitted. Remember, as your child gets older, the book selections will also age up appropriately.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE FOR MY FAMILY TO RECEIVE THE FIRST BOOK?
You can expect to receive your first book or CD approximately six to eight weeks after registering. After we have confirmed your family's registration, you will receive an email letting you know when to expect your first book.
CAN I SIGN UP MY NEWBORN?
Yes, you may register a newborn. Babies will start receiving books at the age of 6 months. If your baby passes that milestone and you still have not received any books, please let us know so we can look into it.
IS THERE A DEADLINE FOR SIGNING UP?
There is no deadline but space is limited.
WILL I BE ABLE TO UNDERSTAND AND RELATE TO THE READING MATERIAL IF I AM NOT PARTICULARLY RELIGIOUS?
PJ Library is geared towards individuals and families all across the spectrum of Jewish belief. Using the reader’s guides provided in each book, we think that you will find the material to be easily accessible and understandable for all.
WHO STARTED THE PJ LIBRARY?
PJ Library was initiated in 2005 by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, a leader in creating and supporting innovative opportunities for Jewish engagement. It is now found in over 185 communities around North America,Australia and in Israel.
UJA Federation launched PJ Library in York Region in 2010. PJ Library was expanded to include Toronto and Peel Region in September 2013.
WHAT'S THE CATCH?
There's just one — you need to READ the books and LISTEN to the music WITH your children. That's all!