Jewish Library Seeks Volunteers to Expand Access Nationwide

When Michelle Shapiro Abraham talks to patrons at JBI Library, she hears the same refrain: they wish they'd known about these free services sooner. Now the organization is launching a volunteer program to make sure fewer people miss out on resources that can reconnect them to Jewish life.

JBI Library is recruiting "accessibility ambassadors" across the United States and abroad to help spread awareness about its free programs. The nearly century-old nonprofit serves people who are blind, have low vision, or struggle with standard print by providing over 16,000 Jewish titles in audio, braille, and large print.

The new Volunteer Ambassador Program trains individuals, families, teens, and community groups to share information about JBI's offerings in their own neighborhoods. Volunteers receive training, outreach templates, disability awareness guidance, and ongoing support from JBI librarians.

Once trained, ambassadors can participate at whatever level fits their schedule. They might make phone calls, send emails, or visit local synagogues, Jewish Community Centers, senior residences, nursing homes, hospitals, and schools to connect people with free resources.

"Awareness remains one of our biggest challenges," said 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."

For many people, vision loss or physical disabilities create isolation from Jewish community activities. As life expectancy increases, age-related vision conditions are becoming more common, making accessible formats increasingly essential.

The Ripple Effect

The volunteer program extends JBI's mission beyond its New York headquarters into communities nationwide. Each ambassador helps build connections person by person, potentially transforming someone's ability to participate in Shabbat, holidays, book groups, Judaism classes, author talks, and poetry readings.

"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 welcomes adults, teens seeking service projects, and those working on b'nai mitzvah projects. No prior experience is required, and volunteers can participate from anywhere.

Interested volunteers can register through JBI's website, email volunteer@jbilibrary.org, or call 646-616-3929.

Sometimes the simplest act of sharing information can open doors someone thought were permanently closed.