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JBI Library, a Jewish organization that for nearly a century has been supporting individuals who are blind, have low vision, or have print disabilities, announced a new name and look, reflecting its expanding array of services, programs, and materials for people who wish to fully participate in, and feel connected to, Jewish culture, education, and religious practice.

Established as the Jewish Braille Institute in 1931, and more recently known as JBI and JBI International, JBI Library continues to support its patrons with free braille, large print, and audio materials. The official addition of “library” to its name reflects how it now serves as a hub of community that provides a wide range of fully inclusive cultural and educational programming; actively cultivates partnerships with a wide range of accessibility-focused, vision, and Jewish organizations; and curates an ever-growing library, customized materials, and personal services by librarians.

“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,” said JBI Executive Director Livia Thompson. “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 support full participation in Jewish life.” (An audio/video message from Thompson can also be accessed at https://jbilibrary.org/our-brand).

Chief Operating Officer Rabbi Andrew Goodman added, “In moving forward as JBI Library, we remain committed to technological enhancements and improved staff resources. We’re currently in the process, for example, of revamping our website with enhanced functionality and user experience. Greater investment in technology is one of many ways in which we’re hoping to connect with even more individuals who could benefit from our services. Recent additions to our staff, including our new head librarian, Jill Rothstein, former Chief Librarian at the NYPL Andrew Heiskell Library, are additional demonstrations of how we are elevating our work to the next level.” 

The JBI Library name and logo is the most recent component of a 2023 strategic plan approved by the JBI Board of Directors, which enlarged the scope of the organization’s services, resources, and programs. Recent new initiatives have focused on increasing the number of accessible books and texts, expanding cultural and educational programming, upgrading technologies, and championing increased inclusion and accessibility in the Jewish community and beyond. 

As one such example, in honor of February’s designation as Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month, JBI and collaborating organizations was hosting a free, accessible, and virtual gathering of professionals entitled “Making Jewish Life Accessible: A Virtual Convening.” It explored how those in the space can collaborate, support, and inspire each other to advance the goal of making Jewish life more accessible to those with disabilities. (More information can be found at jbilibrary.org/JDAIMConvening.)

Regarding the event, Thompson remarked, “We were pleased to be working in partnership with a wide group of people and organizations from across intersecting spheres related to accessibility and Jewish life. As the first such convening in quite some time, I was excited to see what we learned from one another to support our diverse and ever-growing inclusive community.”

The new JBI Library logo, inspired by a combination of the Star of David, the color blue traditionally associated with Judaism, and the pages of a book in motion, is a powerful representation of the organization’s mission, evoking Jewish identity and progress. It honors JBI’s founding heritage and its deep roots in Jewish values of tradition and inclusion, as well as its role as a provider of books and materials, and its 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.”

“What I love about our new name and logo is how they incorporate not just our focus on the importance of books and texts, but also our expanding commitment to fostering greater engagement with the Jewish community,” noted Barbara Saidel, JBI Library Board Co-Chair. “The tagline recognizes the diversity of people who benefit from JBI’s services, including people who are blind or have low vision, or have other conditions that may impact their ability to read or hold physical books, such as dyslexia, Parkinson’s, and arthritis. JBI Library bridges our past, present, and future—honoring where we come from and where our expanded strategy is taking us.”

A sampling of JBI Library’s expanded programming include:

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.

Accessible Book Clubs (in English and Russian)

Ongoing (Via Zoom)

Upcoming discussions include “The History of Love” by Nicole Krauss and “The Red Tent “by Anita Diamont. Register at jbilibrary.org/catalog/book-club/ or contact library@jbilibrary.org or 212-545-8025. 

To learn more, visit www.jbilibrary.org or contact JBI’s librarians at 212-545-8025 or 1-800-433-1531.