In 2019, PJ Library created a first-of-its-kind podcast, Have I Got a Story For You!, featuring contemporary retellings of classic Jewish stories. The response to the show prompted the creation in 2021 of PJ Library Presents, an entire network of covering a wide range of Jewish subjects. Since then, the PJ Library Presents flagship shows — Beyond the Bookcase, Afternoons with Mimi, and Have I Got a Story for You! — have racked up honors and awards nominations. And as of April, the network has surpassed a groundbreaking 2 million downloads.
Fans of the podcasts have come to know PJ Library not only as a free Jewish book program but also as an all-encompassing network that engages children with tales of Jewish tradition, culture, and values. This download milestone represents 2 million moments in which original Jewish storytelling has been shared with families around the world.
“PJ Library’s podcast network has become a staple of the program since we first launched it in 2019,” says Alli Thresher, PJ Library Director of Digital Content. “It’s yet another way that we can bring Jewish stories to life for children. Families (and kids) today get their stories in so many ways, including podcasts. So whether families start with our books and then add podcasts, or learn about our book program after discovering our podcasts, they’re sure to find beloved stories that prompt an opportunity for deeper Jewish engagement. By leaning into podcasting, a medium kids love, we enable families to consume the diverse and varied tales of our tradition in several immersive ways.”
PJ Library Presents features shows for children centered around Jewish stories and storytelling. In Beyond the Bookcase, the oldest adventurers can follow Micah, Miri, Golem, and friends through the magical world of Mashal, where they will encounter creatures and hear stories from across the Jewish diaspora. Younger listeners can tune into audio versions of great PJ Library stories from everyone’s favorite grandmother, Mimi, in Afternoons with Mimi. Have I Got a Story for You! offers the youngest listeners sweet, simple retellings of Jewish stories, such as the story of Ruth and Naomi, the birth of Moses, Aaron the Peacemaker, Daniel in the lion’s den, and many more. A special limited-edition show in Russian and Ukrainian, Radio Chitaika, was released in 2024, the same year the network hit its first 1 million downloads.
PJ Library’s shows have consistently earned awards and honors, including Webby honors for great sound design, a Common Sense Media endorsement (Afternoons with Mimi), and recognition for outstanding children’s podcasting (Silver in the Signal Awards). PJ Library Presents is a member of Kids Listen and a proud partner of the Yoto Player app, where Bookcase and Mimi are featured in the free app store.
Production is underway for Season 6 of both Beyond the Bookcase and Afternoons with Mimi. To learn more and to listen, visit pjlibrary.org/podcast.
