prepare for 2.9.0
diff --git a/release-notes/VERSION b/release-notes/VERSION
index 31fc96c..4a039a1 100644
--- a/release-notes/VERSION
+++ b/release-notes/VERSION
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@
 === Releases ===
 ------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-2.9.0 (not yet released)
+2.9.0 (30-Jul-2017))
 
 #17: Add 'JsonGenerator.writeString(Reader r, int charLength)'
  (constributed by Logan W)