We're proud that we have the largest audio library in the world of books and magazines of Jewish and general interest, and our collection continues to grow because of volunteers like you who are the heart of JBI's recording program. All JBI materials (in English and several other languages) are available free of charge.

What material is recorded?

We record approximately 300 books a year, including foreign titles. The books range from best sellers like "The Devil Wears Prada" to the history of Western Europe; from Madeline Albright's autobiography to "Bummy Davis vs Murder Inc." We've even recorded cookbooks! The first book recorded in spanish is "Mas Alla Del 11 Del Septiembre: La Superacion Del Trauma" by Dr. Luis Rojas Marcos. Dr. Marcos, a former president of the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation tells an extraordinary story about his personal experiences in the World Trade Center on 9/11. We also record magazines such as The New Republic, Commentary, Tikkun, Moment, and the Jerusalem Report.

What does a JBI volunteer do?

Volunteers narrate books and magazines and/or serve as directors during recording sessions. Directors and narrators work as a team to achieve the best possible recording. While the narrator reads, the director monitors the recording for clarity, pacing, and pronunciation, and corrects and edits mistakes. The director is the valuable first set of "ears" on the material being presented; if it doesn't sound good to you, it won't sound good to our patrons.

Do you need any special qualifications to volunteer?

To volunteer, all you need is a love of literature and an interest in making the printed word accessible to people who are blind, visually impaired, physically disabled or learning disabled. We train our volunteers to be both narrators and directors.

Will I work in a real recording studio?

We have 4 recording booths. Our setup is comfortable and professional.

Do I have to come to JBI a certain number of hours each week? Does it have to be the same time and day each week?

Our recording sessions are two hours long. We ask that volunteers make a commitment for one 2-hour-long session a week. You do NOT need to be available for the same two hours each week. Our studio is open from 11am to 7:30 pm Monday through Thursday, and until 3pm on Fridays. We also understand that people take vacations and business trips; JBI will work with you on your schedule. We are flexible!

Do I get to choose the book or magazine I work on?

The Director of Library Operations, together with her staff, selects the books to be recorded for our collection. Volunteers can select from the assortment of titles available.

Do you record in other languages?

Apart from English, we record in Russian, Spanish, Romanian, Hungarian, Hebrew and Yiddish. Do you read fluently in any of these languages? Please let us know.

How many volunteers does JBI have? Do volunteers ever get to meet one another?

Over the years, we've had hundreds of volunteers of all ages (minimum age 18, please) and professions. At present we have over 200 volunteers on our roster; about 120 of them are currently active in the recording program. Volunteers meet each other in our lounge (stocked with free coffee, tea, and snacks) before and after each session. There's also an annual party for our volunteers. Many lasting friendships have been formed at JBI over the years.

Who will work with me?

The Recording Studio is under the direction of Lisa Kirsch. She and her staff will schedule your recording sessions and make certain that the studios are running smoothly.

How do I get started?

Call JBI's 24-hour volunteer hotline at (212) 889-2525 x 300, and leave a message for Lisa Kirsch.