Press Releases
Stay in the know with the latest updates from JBI Library and read stories about our impact.
All Press Releases
JBI Library Expands Accessible High Holy Day Resources with New Braille Prayer Books, Free Digital Downloads, and Community Programming
Posted July 30, 2026
Braille Edition of Machzor Lev Shalem Headlines Newly Expanded Collection of Free Braille, Large Print, Audio, and Downloadable Resources for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur - Order Deadline August 28 for Organizations and Individuals
JBI Library Announces Free, Accessible Passover Resources for 2026
Posted February 5, 2026
Ordering deadlines: March 4 for organizations; March 18 for individuals
JBI Library Calls Volunteers to Become Accessibility Ambassadors in Jewish Communities Nationwide
Posted January 15, 2026
New grassroots program invites individuals and groups to help connect people with free Jewish library and programs.
JBI Library welcomes Michelle Shapiro Abraham as new executive director
Posted May 7, 2025
JBI Library announces the appointment of Michelle Shapiro Abraham as its new executive director, effective April 21.
JBI Library’s New Chapter
Posted March 21, 2025
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.
JBI Library announces new name and brand
Posted February 13, 2025
JBI Library, a Jewish organization supporting those who are blind, have low vision or have print disabilities, announces a new name and look, with expanded services, programs and materials.
Jill Rothstein, former chief librarian of NYPL’s braille library, joins JBI as head librarian
Posted January 13, 2025
Rothstein brings more than a decade of experience serving library patrons with diverse accessibility needs, and joins JBI at a pivotal moment.
JBI program provides free braille, audio and large-print materials to NYC nonprofits
Posted December 10, 2024
JBI welcomes NYC-based nonprofits to request free braille, audio and large-print materials thanks to a two-year grant from the New York Community Trust.
2024 JBI Nathan L. and Suzanne K. Wolfson Merit Award Winners announced
Posted November 21, 2024
The nonprofit JBI awarded five legally-blind students a total of $75,000 for academic achievements and engagement with Jewish community.
JBI adds three new members to its board of directors
Posted October 31, 2024
Experts in legal, medical and philanthropic issues will support JBI's commitment to connecting people who are blind, low vision, and print disabled to Jewish life.
JBI expands accessible High Holy Days for people who are blind or have low vision
Posted August 9, 2024
To foster Jewish learning, reflection and connection, JBI to offer free Rosh Hashanah events, High Holy Day book clubs, and large-print, braille, and audio children’s and adult holiday books, machzorim, prayer books and calendars
JBI offers free braille, audio and large-print materials for High Holidays
Posted July 16, 2024
In most cases, these offerings are available free of charge, thanks to a two-year grant from the New York Community Trust.
JBI Receives New York Community Trust Grant
Posted February 8, 2024
JBI Receives New York Community Trust Grant to Provide Free Services to NYC Nonprofits, Increasing Accessibility for New Yorkers With Visual Disabilities. JBI to Offer Complimentary Services to Create Custom Braille, Audio, and Large Print Accessible Materials