Libraries Go Above and Beyond for the PJ Drive
March 28, 2019
Matthew Perry
Outreach Coordinator
1-800-952-7403 x208
matthew.s.perry@state.ma.us
Massachusetts libraries teamed up with the Boston Bruins and collected pajamas during February and March as part of the annual Boston Bruins PJ Drive. 2019 marked the 12th year of the drive that benefits the Department of Children and Families Wonderfund and Cradles to Crayons.
Libraries from across the Commonwealth collected 13,022 new pairs of pajamas, a new record for the drive. In total, over 20,000 pairs of pajamas were collected by 251 groups, 136 of which were libraries.
The drive kicked off at the Lawrence Public Library with a PJ celebration featuring First Lady of the Commonwealth Lauren Baker, Boston Bruins great Bob Sweeney, and Bruins mascot Blades. The pajama party event featured a story time with Mrs. Baker, a craft, and hockey skills taught by Bob Sweeney and Blades.
In addition to acting as collection sites, the Massachusetts Library System's delivery service played a key role in transporting pajamas across the state to get them to their destination. This service, typically used to send books and other library materials, sends PJs to the regional sorting centers which increases libraries' ability to participate in the drive.
Former Bruins forward P.J. Axelsson and his wife, Siw, started the PJ drive during the Boston Bruins 2007-2008 season as a way to give back to their community. The couple collected 1,600 pairs of pajamas for Cradles to Crayons which connects with social service agencies in Massachusetts to identify specific children in need.
To encourage participation, the Bruins offered special prizes to the top three collectors. Each of the winners receives five tickets to an upcoming Bruins game:
First Place: Jonathan Bourne Public Library, Bourne
- New PJs Collected: 3,320
Second Place: Morrill Memorial Library, Norwood
- New PJs Collected: 2,538
Third Place: Liam Fitzgerald (learn more about Liam)
- New PJs Collected: 742
About MBLC
The Board of Library Commissioners (mass.gov/mblc) is the agency of state government with the statutory authority and responsibility to organize, develop, coordinate and improve library services throughout the Commonwealth. The Board advises municipalities and library trustees on the operation and maintenance of public libraries, including construction and renovation. It administers state and federal grant programs for libraries and promotes cooperation among all types of libraries through regional library systems and automated resource sharing. It also works to ensure that all residents of the Commonwealth, regardless of their geographic location, social or economic status, age, level of physical or intellectual ability or cultural background, have access to essential new electronic information technologies and significant electronic databases.