For librarians and educators working to nurture Jewish literacy in children, professional growth often comes not just from books, but from the shared experiences and collaborative energy of peers. Last week, the PJ Library Baltimore team joined colleagues from across North America in Springfield, Massachusetts, for the organization’s 2026 International Conference—a gathering that has become an annual touchstone for those dedicated to bringing Jewish stories into the lives of young readers.
The event, now in its 17th year, drew over 200 participants, including program professionals, parent connectors, and library staff. In a room buzzing with ideas and camaraderie, attendees explored strategies for expanding reach, discussed the latest in Jewish children’s literature, and celebrated the program’s milestone of mailing nearly 270,000 books to children ages 0–12 across the continent. For the Baltimore team, the conference was a chance to learn from—and connect with—librarians and educators from diverse communities, reinforcing the belief that the best learning often happens when shared.
PJ Library, a project of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, has long championed the idea that Jewish identity and literacy can be fostered through accessible, engaging stories. The conference’s focus this year included sessions on program growth, the power of storytelling to build community, and the latest initiatives to support independent publishers creating Jewish children’s books. With the announcement of a new “Next Level Books” fund—earmarking $1.2 million over three years to develop high-quality Jewish children’s literature—the organization is also signaling its commitment to expanding the very resources that librarians and educators bring to their communities.
Why Collaboration Matters
The value of the International Conference lies not only in the workshops and presentations, but in the informal exchanges that take place over coffee, during meals, and in the hallways. For librarians like those from PJ Library Baltimore, these connections are invaluable. “We had a great time and met a number of other team members from other PJ Library branches,” said a spokesperson for the Baltimore team, reflecting on the event’s impact. These relationships help to disseminate best practices, troubleshoot challenges, and inspire creative solutions tailored to local needs.
This year’s conference also highlighted the organization’s broader impact. With more than 30,000 Jewish families participating in PJ Library’s “Get Together” microgrant program last year alone, the initiative has fostered over 100,000 Jewish-themed events, from book readings to family gatherings. Such grassroots engagement underscores the role of librarians and educators as not just providers of books, but as architects of community and culture.
A Gathering of Ideas and Innovation
The conference agenda was packed with sessions designed to address the evolving needs of the field. Topics ranged from the latest trends in Jewish children’s literature to strategies for reaching underserved populations. One session, led by the Association of Jewish Libraries, focused on the intersection of schools, synagogues, centers, and public libraries—highlighting how collaboration across these sectors can amplify the impact of Jewish literacy programs.
Rebecca Levitan, president of the Schools, Synagogues, Centers, and Public Libraries (SSCPL) division of the Association of Jewish Libraries, has long been a voice for such cross-sector partnerships. Her work reflects a growing recognition that Jewish education is not the sole domain of any single institution, but a shared responsibility that thrives on cooperation.
Looking Ahead
As the 2026 conference concludes, the focus now shifts to implementing the ideas and connections forged in Springfield. For PJ Library Baltimore and other teams, the next steps include sharing insights with local partners, exploring new programming opportunities, and continuing to build on the momentum generated by the conference.
The next PJ Library International Conference is not yet scheduled, but the organization’s annual gatherings have consistently taken place in Springfield, Massachusetts, in the spring. Those interested in staying informed about future events are encouraged to visit the official PJ Library website or follow updates from the Harold Grinspoon Foundation.
For librarians and educators, the message is clear: the power of shared learning extends far beyond the conference room. It’s in the stories told, the connections made, and the communities built—one book, one conversation, and one shared experience at a time.
Have you attended a professional development event that changed your approach to library work or Jewish education? Share your experiences in the comments below, or connect with us on social media to continue the conversation.
