Our Events

PJ Library Connector Events

Looking for local neighborhood meet ups? Want to connect with other families raising Jewish children in your area? Our PJ Parent Connectors have you covered! These smaller scale events, both virtual and in-person, offer new ways to explore your neighborhood and celebrate with your local PJ Library community.

New to your area? – Find your PJ Library Connector and reach out! We are happy to take you for coffee and introduce you to the neighborhood.

JUF Young Families programming is enriched by the diversity of our participants. We know each family is unique and all are welcome. Please email us at youngfamilies@juf.org if you have any questions or if you require any accommodations to make our programming accessible and welcoming to your family.


PJ Library| Chanukah Cookie Decorating| St. Charles

Saturday, December 6, 2025 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM <Add to Calendar>

Calling all little cookie artists and their assistants (parents)! Professional cookie decorator, My Cookie Cottage will lead us in decorating three Hanukkah-themed sugar cookies with royal icing and colorful sprinkles. Cookies will be freshly-baked beforehand so kids and parents can just show up, decorate, and have fun. We'll have snacks, books, and coloring to enjoy as well.

This event is geared toward kids ages 3+. If you are bringing more then one child, please register for both children as cost of this event is per child.


Location:
Pottawatomie Community Center
8 North Ave.
St. Charles IL, 60174


Contact:
jBaby Chicago
jBabychicago@juf.org
312-357-4905


Register Online

Shine Together: A Chanukah Celebration with PJ Library & Jewish Day Schools

Sunday, December 7, 2025 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM <Add to Calendar>

Celebrate the Festival of Lights with PJ Library, Akiba Schechter Jewish Day School, Bernard Zell, and Chicago Jewish Day School at The Family Room, Lakeview’s new indoor play space!

Learn more about your local Jewish day schools with representatives from participating schools providing creative Chanukah crafts. Enjoy holiday-themed treats, connect with parents and educators in your community, and experience the joy of the season together.

Highlights include:
A musical performance by Sarah Jayne Lane
Sensory play bins
Chanukah crafts
Kosher snacks
PJ Library free book giveaway & storytime

This event is free, but space is limited—register today to reserve your spot!


Location:
The Family Room Chicago
3229 North Broadway
Chicago IL, 60657


Contact:
PJ Library
pjlibrary@juf.org
312-357-4905


Register Online

PJ Library| Chanukah Party at Max and Benny's| Northbrook

Thursday, December 18, 2025 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM <Add to Calendar>

It's time to bring in the Chanukah light! Come celebrate Chanukah with other PJ Library families! We will have delicious food and fun crafts.
This holiday season, we will support the JCFS holiday gift drive. JCFS Chicago's Holiday Gift Drive benefits hundreds of children in the Jewish and broader Chicagoland community. Join us this holiday season in bringing joy to our community while strengthening belonging and well-being among children and families by bringing a gift card with you to Max and Benny's to any major store (Target, Amazon, Walmart, Etsy) in one of these amounts: $10, $25, or $50. Your gift card will go directly to a JCFS client to brighten their child's holiday.
The cost per family is $36 and includes a delicious dinner. Space is limited, so please register ahead of time. Thank you!


Location:
Max and Benny's
461 Waukegan Rd.
Northbrook IL, 60062


Contact:
jBaby Chicago
jBabychicago@juf.org
312-357-4905


Register Online

PJ Library and jBaby| Latkes with the Littles| Glencoe

Saturday, December 20, 2025 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM <Add to Calendar>

Join us at Mensch's Deli Glencoe for a casual, family-friendly brunch to celebrate Chanukah! Enjoy traditional Jewish deli favorites and meet awesome PJ Library and jBaby families in the area. Latkes (with all the trimmings) are on us; each family will cover their own meals.

Location:
Mensch's Deli
668 Vernon Ave.
Glencoe IL, 60022


Contact:
jBaby Chicago
jBabychicago@juf.org
312-357-4905


Register Online

jBaby & PJ Library | Winter Library Drop-In Playdate| Lincolnshire

Sunday, December 21, 2025 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM <Add to Calendar>

Warm up with jBaby and PJ Library friends with a Sunday morning winter playgroup at the library! Join us on December 21, December 28, January 4 from 10 to 11:30 am and drop in when you can for playtime, snacks and stories.

Location:
Vernon Area Public Library
300 Olde Half Day Rd.
Lincolnshire IL, 60069


Contact:
jBaby Chicago
jBabychicago@juf.org
312-357-4905


Register Online

PJ Library | Hanukkah Move & Groove| Rogers Park

Sunday, December 21, 2025 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM <Add to Calendar>

Celebrate Hanukkah with a high-energy dance class just for little ones through DanceWorks! Kids will jump, dance, play with instruments, and explore fun obstacle courses. We’ll add a Hanukkah twist with themed games and swag. Parents can join in or drop off. Led by warm, experienced instructors who know how to keep kids moving and smiling! This class if for children ages 2-4.

Location:
DanceWorks
2804 W Touhy Ave.
Chicago IL, 60645


Contact:
jBaby Chicago
jBabychicago@juf.org
312-357-4905


Register Online

PJ Library| A Yoga Experience of Ahavah(love)& Kehillah(community)| City

Saturday, January 17, 2026 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM <Add to Calendar>

Join us for a fun and interactive Family Yoga session for one parent and one child (ages 2–5) can connect through movement, mindfulness, and play. Together we’ll explore simple yoga poses, breathing exercises, and games that build strength, flexibility, and relaxation—all while fostering love, connection, and community. No experience needed—just bring comfortable clothing, a mat, water, and an open mind!

Please note that signup is for one adult and one child (2-5)


Location:
Pistachio Yoga
5206 N Damen Ave.
Chicago IL, 60625


Contact:
jBaby Chicago
jBabychicago@juf.org
312-357-4905


Register Online

Make Something from Nothing with PJ Library & Jewish Day Schools

Sunday, January 25, 2026 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM <Add to Calendar>

Travel through Akiba and unlock the magic hidden in every corner. Discover surprises, spark your imagination, and create something totally new from… absolutely nothing!

Sneak peeks include:
📦Cardboard Challenge
💡Lights & Shadows
📖Story Lab
🗺️Small Worlds
& more...


Location:
Akiba Schechter Jewish Day School
5235 South Cornell Ave.
Chicago IL, 60615


Contact:
PJ Library
pjlibrary@juf.org
312-357-4920


Register Online

“PJ Library helps us to explore a new idea with our daughter such as how it feels to help others in need.”

PJ Library Family