JBI Library—the nearly century-old organization dedicated to ensuring that people who are blind, have low vision, or have print disabilities can fully participate in Jewish life—is inviting individuals, families, teens and community groups to get involved in its new Volunteer Ambassador Program designed to expand access to Jewish learning and culture.
This grassroots initiative empowers volunteers to share information about JBI Library’s free cultural programs with organizations and individuals in their own communities. “Accessibility ambassadors” will receive training, outreach templates, disability awareness guidance and ongoing support from JBI librarians. Once trained, they will help ensure that as many people as possible benefit from JBI’s Jewish materials and resources and know they are available at no cost.
Volunteers can participate at whatever level fits their schedule, making phone calls, sending emails, scheduling brief conversations or visiting local organizations such as synagogues, JCCs, senior residences, nursing homes, hospitals, rehab centers, Jewish schools and other institutions. No prior experience is required.
“Awareness remains one of our biggest challenges,” said Michelle Shapiro Abraham, JBI’s executive director. “Every day we hear from patrons who tell us that JBI restored their ability to learn, pray, or feel connected to Jewish life. This program gives volunteers a meaningful way to help us reach people who are still unaware that these free, meaningful services exist.”
Founded nearly a century ago, JBI Library serves people who are blind, have low vision or have difficulty reading standard print by providing more than 16,000 Jewish-interest titles in audio, braille and large print, along with free cultural and educational programming. These offerings include materials to support participation in Shabbat and holidays, book groups, foreign-language materials, Judaism 101 courses, author talks, poetry readings and other events that foster connection.
For many people, vision loss, physical disabilities, or reading disabilities can lead to isolation from Jewish life. As life expectancy increases, age-related vision conditions and physical limitations are becoming more common, making accessible formats and inclusive programming increasingly essential.
“In this world, we depend on community,” said Jill Rothstein, JBI’s head librarian. “The JBI Ambassador Program allows us to live out that value by building connections, community by community, and reaching people who may otherwise feel cut off from Jewish learning and culture.”
The program is open to adults, teens and community groups, and those seeking meaningful service or b’nai mitzvah projects. Ambassadors may volunteer from anywhere in the United States or abroad.
How to Get Involved
Volunteers will receive training, access to outreach materials and ongoing support from JBI librarians. Registration can be done via:
- Website: JBI Volunteer Registration Form
- Email: volunteer@jbilibrary.org
- Phone: 646-616-3929
For questions specific to volunteer roles, interested individuals may also contact JBI outreach specialist Roslyn Biskin at rbiskin@jbilibrary.org or JBI librarian Jill Rothstein at jrothstein@jbilibrary.org.
