JBI Library’s New Chapter

by Livia Thompson, Executive Director, JBI Library

It is with great pride that I share that JBI is now JBI Library. We’ve been connecting individuals who are blind, have low vision, or have print disabilities to Jewish life for nearly a century, but now announce a new name and look that truly reflects our expanding array of services, programs, and materials for people who wish to participate in Jewish culture, education, and religious practice.

Since being established as the Jewish Braille Institute in 1931, we have served more than 12,000 individuals, and JBI Library will continue to support its patrons with braille, large print, and audio materials (and always free of charge). The official addition of “library” to our name is a reflection of our commitment to also serve as a hub of community and expand our services and programs. The exciting list of all we do has grown to include an ever-growing library, customized materials and personal services, vibrant and engaging events and programming, and partnerships with a wide range of other libraries and Jewish, vision, and accessibility-focused organizations.

Likewise, JBI Library’s new blue logo design, inspired by the Star of David, the blue traditionally associated with Judaism, and the pages of a book in motion, evokes how we feel about our work and vision—moving forward, but deeply valuing the traditions and history of our organization and Judaism. It also honors our work as a provider of books and materials, while signifying our evolution as a vibrant hub of connection and innovation. It is reinforced by the tagline: Connecting anyone who is blind, has low vision, or has a print disability to Jewish life.

As JBI Library, we proudly join with libraries of today that share so much more than just the books on their shelves—they serve at the heart of many communities. We seek to be a place of connection, engagement, and education. The values embodied by JBI Library—access, bridge building, caring, Jewish living, representation, and respect—guide our unwavering commitment to inclusion and removing all barriers to accessibility and full participation in Jewish life.

All of these changes reflect our long-term strategic plan, which seeks to enlarge the scope of the services, resources, and programs being offered in the pursuit of true collaboration and community-building. One upcoming example is the free program of professionals “Making Jewish Life Accessible: A Virtual Convention,” being held on February 27, 2025. Hosted in partnership with other organizations invested in accessibility and inclusion issues, the convening is where we hope to continue the discussions sparked by Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month (JDAIM) and explore ways we can collaborate, support, and inspire each other to advance the goal of making Jewish life accessible for everyone. (Please go to jbilibrary.org/JDAIMConvening to learn more.)

It is with great excitement that I welcome you to the JBI Library. Our services are offered free of charge to anyone who is blind or has a vision or print disability that makes reading a standard book difficult. Whether you’re looking for your next great read, interested in learning more about Judaism in an accessible setting, thinking about connecting through a book club or a workshop, or have a special request for a braille, audio, or large print material you'd like created, JBI Library is here for you.

I encourage to check out some of our upcoming programs:

• Branches of Learning: A Tu Bishvat Exploration
  Thursday, February 13, at 4:30pm ET (via Zoom)
  JBI Head Librarian Jill Rothstein presents an opportunity to learn more about the textures, tastes, and meanings behind the plants customarily celebrated on Tu Bishvat. Register at jbilibrary.org/catalog/judaism-101/.

• JBI Poetry Series Part Three: Love and Dread in an Unrestful Time
  Wednesday, March 19, at 4:30pm ET (via Zoom)
  The final installment of JBI’s three-part poetry series on personal and collective resilience in Jewish poetry. Poets Rachel Hadas and Matthew Lippman will read from their work, including poems from Hadas’ book “Love and Dread.”  Register at jbilibrary.org/catalog/Jewish-poetry-workshops/.

• Passover 101
  Date to Come (via Zoom)
  Join JBI Board Member Rabbi Gabi Cohn for a text study around the Passover themes of redemption, liberation, and creation. Register at register@jbilibrary.org or 646-616-3929.

If you’d like to learn more about JBI Library, our materials, customized services, or any upcoming events, please visit www.jbilibrary.org or contact JBI’s librarians at 212-545-8025 or 1-800-433-1531. We look forward to starting this new chapter with you.