Our tri-lingual (English, Hebrew and Spanish) library offers an array of resources. Safranit Molly is always building and growing the print and digital collections. We have over 12,000 books in the library as well as a growing collection of electronic books with resources to serve our youngest preschoolers all the way to Young Adult materials that our almost high school students can enjoy. We also have a rich Jewish Reference collection that informs and supports our Jewish Studies curriculum. There are resources to support other areas of the curriculum as well. So if you are looking for a great book to read for pleasure or information to extend your studies, the library is your place to start!
The PJA Library offers several special programs. Familiarize yourself with these programs through their brief descriptions below. If you have any questions about them, please ask Safranit Molly for more details.
Newbery Club
From October to January fifth through eighth graders who join the Newbery Club gather weekly to eat lunch and discuss books. We read the contenders for the John Newbery Medal which is awarded each winter to the most distinguished contribution to American Literature for Children. We have a "box" of books which are being discussed as potential winners. The books in the box are reserved for Newbery Club members only. It's a great way for our avid readers to have advanced privilege to the newest, hottest books in kids' lit! Just before the ALA announces the winning book(s) our club votes on their favorites and we determine the winning book for PJA.
Caldecott Club
Similar to the Newbery Club, the Caldecott Club is a group of students (third grade and up) who look closely this year's finest picture books. We discuss the contenders with the criteria for the medal in mind. We talk discern what makes an outstanding picture book and of the contenders in our box determine which book we think should win the Caldecott. Like the Newbery Club, we vote for our choice of book and bestow our PJA picture book award.
Birthday Book Program
This is an optional donation program where students in the day school can give a book to the library in honor of their birthday. Near each child's birthday, a letter is sent home explaining the process in greater detail. Students are very proud to see a special book with their nameplate inside become a lasting part of the library.
Newbery Club
From October to January fifth through eighth graders who join the Newbery Club gather weekly to eat lunch and discuss books. We read the contenders for the John Newbery Medal which is awarded each winter to the most distinguished contribution to American Literature for Children. We have a "box" of books which are being discussed as potential winners. The books in the box are reserved for Newbery Club members only. It's a great way for our avid readers to have advanced privilege to the newest, hottest books in kids' lit! Just before the ALA announces the winning book(s) our club votes on their favorites and we determine the winning book for PJA.
Caldecott Club
Similar to the Newbery Club, the Caldecott Club is a group of students (third grade and up) who look closely this year's finest picture books. We discuss the contenders with the criteria for the medal in mind. We talk discern what makes an outstanding picture book and of the contenders in our box determine which book we think should win the Caldecott. Like the Newbery Club, we vote for our choice of book and bestow our PJA picture book award.
Birthday Book Program
This is an optional donation program where students in the day school can give a book to the library in honor of their birthday. Near each child's birthday, a letter is sent home explaining the process in greater detail. Students are very proud to see a special book with their nameplate inside become a lasting part of the library.