Montgomery County Libraries Enhance Services For Deaf Community

Montgomery County Public Libraries launched an enhanced Deaf Culture Digital Library (DCDL), a program of the Maryland State Library Agency. The website, which is available to county library card holders, now includes more digital content related to American Sign Language, Deaf culture, Deaf history, Deaf literature, news in American Sign Language and lists of related organizations.

This collection features eBooks and audiobooks geared towards both children and adults who have an interest in fiction and non-fiction books related to American Sign Language, Deaf Culture, Deaf Literature, Deaf History and Literature and biographies. It also includes more than 140 streaming videos in American Sign Language with voice over narration for children and families.

All materials in this collection are available either for download or to stream with a current library card.

Since 2015, Montgomery County libraries have hosted, developed and managed the state’s website.

The county’s library system provides Deaf resources, programs featuring Deaf authors and speakers among other materials. “We’re so pleased to be part of this vital project,” said Director of MCPL Anita Vassallo. “We look forward to seeing that it is well used by the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.”

Director Kelby Brick, Maryland Governor’s Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, said, “DCDL will be an essential element in the Deaf Ecosystem that empowers Deaf and hard of hearing people.”

In 2019, Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL), in a partnership with Maryland DCDL, secured a contract with Eyeth Studios, a Deaf-woman owned company, to develop and design an ADA compliant and Deaf-centric website.

About Suzanne Pollak

Suzanne is a freelance reporter with Montgomery Community Media. She has over 35 years professional experience writing for newspapers, magazines, non-profit newsletters and the web.

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