Bagels from Benny was one of the first books PJ Library sent out to families when it launched five years ago. Looking back, it seems like such a fitting title to start the UK programme as it encompasses three key areas. Firstly, it is a story about an important Jewish value – tzedakah, charity; secondly, it highlights the vital role that family, but especially grandparents, play; and finally it talks about a topic we know so many of our families love to read, make and enjoy – food!
In 2015, what started off as a small initiative quickly grew and PJ Library now sends a book out every month to almost 8,000 children.
It soon became apparent, that in order to keep up with the demand for the books we would need to raise enough money to cover our costs. While the founder of the international programme, the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, contributes to the global infrastructure, each country must pay for their own core costs which are mainly the books and postage. Here in the UK, we are lucky to have the support of foundations, such as the Pears Foundation who generously provided important seed funding, and Genesis Philanthropy Group, who enabled us to reach families living in more remote parts of the UK. We also heavily rely on families who each year choose to donate and ‘pay it forward’.
For five years, we have sent books to over 11,000 children across the UK, enabling families to learn about Jewish culture and values in their homes. We regularly receive stories and pictures from them on the impact PJ Library is having which you can read by clicking on the red button below.
In 2020 we have set our sights high with a goal to reach even more families raising Jewish children, but we need your help to do so. Please consider paying it forward by donating £40 or more today to help another family receive the magic of PJ Library.
Here’s to another five years of beautiful books…and the odd bagel or two!
Lauren Hamburger
Director
PJ Library in the UK
February 25, 2020