Apr 13, 2016
PJ Library Celebrates Delivery of 200,000th Book in Miami
Kindergartener Emily Albert received a very special surprise recently when PJ Library, a global Jewish literacy program for children, made its 200,000th Miami book delivery to her classroom at Pinecrest Elementary School.
PJ Library, a gift of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation made possible by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation and the Blank Family Foundation, home-delivers free Jewish children's books each month, sharing Jewish stories that help families talk about values, traditions and culture. Emily is one of more than 3,000 youngsters in Miami whose parents registered them to receive deliveries of books and CDs from PJ Library’s extensive collection. Nationally, PJ Library delivers free Jewish books and music to more than 140,000 young children in 200 communities.
Joining Emily for the classroom celebration were her mother, Teresa Albert; Greater Miami Jewish Federation General Campaign Chair Amy N. Dean and PJ Library Miami Co-Chair Jena Saul. They presented Emily with the book, The Wooden Sword, and gave her teacher, Dana Chrystal, a bag loaded with books for her class.
Excited by the surprise visit, Emily proudly sat down in a chair in the front of her fellow students and read aloud from her colorful, new book, which tells the tale of a Jewish peasant in ancient Afghanistan whose adventures taught the Shah to have faith and appreciate God’s daily blessings.
“Emily loves to read and looks forward to her monthly deliveries to our home,” Teresa Albert explained. “She has a growing book collection of her own, and we’re delighted that the books from PJ Library help her to understand the Jewish religion and values.”
Teresa Albert, Federation General Campaign Chair Amy N. Dean, PJ Library Co-Chair Jena Saul and teacher Dana Chrystal, with Emily and her brother, Lucas.
Jena Saul praised PJ Library for its tremendous impact on families throughout Miami and on her own household. Like Emily, Saul’s two children greet each month’s delivery of books with tremendous excitement.
“We read together and interact with the stories, which makes it easier for us to share ideas and feelings about Jewish culture,” said Saul.
PJ Library is made possible through partnerships with philanthropists and local Jewish organizations. Families with children ages 6 months through 8 years old are welcome to sign up, regardless of their Jewish background, knowledge or observance.
For more information about PJ Library, visit PJLibrary.org or contact PJ Library Coordinator Joy Prevor at the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, 786-866-8572 or [email protected].
