JBI Library

05/14/2026

The impact of accessible reading materials often goes beyond the page, as recently shared by the spouse of one of our patrons:

“I think your mission is wonderful. My husband’s vision is limited. I ordered your large print materials for him and he was very resistant to try until about three weeks ago. Now he is so grateful to have it. I knew the benefit it could bring him.”

05/13/2026

We are thrilled that Rabbi Dr. Minna Bromberg’s Every Body Beloved: A Jewish Embrace of Fatness is now available in braille, large print and audio formats. What makes this release truly special is that Rabbi Bromberg joined us in our studios to record the audiobook herself!

In this book, Rabbi Bromberg lays bare the harm of anti-fat bias and the restorative potential for body liberation in Jewish tradition to confront fatphobia. Bromberg demonstrates what we can learn from Jewish tradition that will allow us to usher in a culture of healing and acceptance of all bodies created in the Divine image. Request your copy today by visiting our website or calling us at 212-545-8025.

Stay tuned for a JBI Library author talk with Rabbi Bromberg this summer!

05/06/2026

With so many new faces joining our page recently, we want to know what you want to see more of. Whether it’s behind-the-scenes stories, specific collections, or community highlights, let us know in the comments below.

04/30/2026

How do we embrace the future without losing the personal touch that makes our community feel like home?

In a new piece for EJewish Philanthropy, our Executive Director Michelle Shapiro Abraham explores how we balance new innovations with the human-centered care you've come to expect from us.

Technology is a powerful tool, but it works best when it brings us closer together. Whether we are using AI to help create liturgical texts or ensuring our programs remain accessible via a simple phone call for those who prefer it, our priority is always the same: making sure you feel like you belong.

We invite you to read the full reflection on how we are working to build a more inclusive and connected Jewish community.

Read more at the link below.

Jewish tradition teaches that we should keep one note in each pocket: one that says, “For my sake the world was created” (Mishna Sanhedrin 4:5) and the other, “I am but dust and ashes” (Genesis 18:27). When we feel alone or afraid, we take out the first. When we feel overly certain of our ow...

04/30/2026

This April, as we recognize Volunteer Appreciation Month, we are especially moved by how much our community has grown and evolved over the past year. We have seen our volunteers step into a wider range of roles than ever before, meeting new challenges with incredible dedication. Whether narrating audio titles, formatting works for braille transcription, checking in with patrons, or leading our newest programs, their contributions ensure that the world of Jewish literature and culture remains accessible to all.

To our longtime volunteers who have been with us for years and the many new faces who have taken on specialized responsibilities this year, we offer our deepest gratitude. Your generosity and talent keep our mission moving forward, and we are honored to have you as part of the JBI Library family.

04/28/2026

JBI Library Patrons: Join us this Thursday, April 30, as we discuss “Identities: Historical and Modern” in this month’s Chat Hour at 4:30 pm ET. Register at [email protected] or 646-616-3929.

04/23/2026

Big news from JBI Library! We are so excited to invite you to a virtual listening party celebrating the release of our first-ever image-described graphic novel, Let There Be Light: The Real Story of Her Creation by the wonderful Liana Finck.
This is a friendly reminder to join us this coming Tuesday, April 28, at 4:30 PM Eastern Time for this free Zoom event. In this ambitious retelling of Genesis, Finck reimagines the Old Testament with God as a woman, Abraham as a resident of New York City, and Rebekah as a robot. JBI has brought this moving visual style to life with a multi-voice audio production featuring three narrators, sound effects, and an exclusive image-description track.
During the party, we will be listening to two chapters of the novel and hosting a discussion about the fascinating art of image description. You can register for the listening party at the link below.
If you would like to request this book in audio or braille, please reach out to our librarians at [email protected] or call 212-545-8025. We can’t wait to share this clever and whimsical new project with you!
https://jbilibrary.org/programs-events/culture-arts/listening-party-let-there-be-Light

04/22/2026

For 95 years, JBI Library has been opening doors to Jewish life and culture.
It started on April 22, 1931 with a simple mission: to ensure that Jewish tradition was accessible to everyone, regardless of visual needs or disability.
From our early days of braille and large print to today’s multi-voice audiobooks and electronic braille, we’ve grown into a global community.
Today, we celebrate nearly a century of stories, connection, and the belief that everyone deserves a seat at the table.
We’re keeping the joy of reading alive as we celebrate year ninety-five!

04/21/2026

It's National Library Workers Day - our favorite day of National Library Week!

Today we celebrate the hardworking, dedicated library professionals who power possibility in our neighborhoods, our schools, and our places of higher learning. As library workers across the U.S. continue to face challenges to their jobs and harassment from bad actors, it's essential we show up for them and voice our support for the work they do every day.

Thank you, library workers - libraries work because YOU do!

04/16/2026

As we move closer to Shavuot, we invite you to pause and gather with us as award-winning poet Jessica Greenbaum leads a warm and engaging look at the Book of Ruth on Thursday, April 23, from 4:30 to 6pm ET. By reading this ancient text alongside modern poetry, we will explore timeless themes of immigration, kindness, and the strength found in chosen family. This session is open to everyone. Whether you are a longtime lover of poetry or simply curious about the story, your voice and perspective will make the conversation richer.

Register for FREE at the link below or call 646-616-3929.

https://jbilibrary.org/programs-events/poetry-workshops/the-book-of-ruth-gleanings-from-many-corners