Library Services to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community

Library Services to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community is the focal point of library and literacy services, programming, partnerships, technology access, community outreach and staff training for Montgomery County Public Libraries.

Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) offer library and literacy services to the deaf and hard of hearing community through a wide range of materials, library programs and telecommunication services.

MATERIALS

Many books, closed captioned videos or DVDs, and periodicals about deaf culture, hearing loss, deaf history, and communication options can be borrowed from the Rockville Library or another Montgomery County library branch. Items can be sent to other libraries for pick up.

At the Rockville Library, books, magazines, and videos or DVDs for parents, teachers, and child care providers are available on the first floor in the Children’s Resource Collection.

Materials related to employment, rehabilitation, and coping with adult onset deafness or other disabilities can be found on the second floor of the Rockville Library.

User Services and Search Tips:

• All books and videos or DVDs owned by MCPL can be searched through the online catalog. Books and videos or DVDs can be reserved online and sent to any Montgomery County library of your choice to pick up.
  
• Closed captioned videos or DVDs can be searched through the Montgomery County library’s online catalog, using the words “closed captioned” as search terms.
  
• You may apply for a library card in person or online.
  
• Access your library account to view your checked-out items, renew items, and modify or cancel holds.
  

LIBRARY PROGRAMS

MCPL offers services that make library programs accessible to its deaf and hard of hearing customers.

• Interpreting Services: Montgomery County Public Libraries has a contract through Montgomery County Government to provide sign language or oral interpreting or cued speech transliteration services for deaf and hard of hearing individuals for all library-sponsored programs. Five (5) work days notice is requested. Complete the interpreter request form.
  
• Sign-interpreted Programs: You may check on the availability of a list of sign-interpreted library programs by contacting the Coordinator of Library Services to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community.
  
• Hearing Assistive Technology: The meeting rooms at Damascus, Davis, Germantown, Marilyn Praisner, Quince Orchard and Rockville Libraries have permanently installed audio induction loop, a hearing assistive technology, that can be used during a library sponsored program. When you request the audio loop, a microphone will then be reserved. To make this arrangement, contact the library seven (7) work days in advance.
  
• Other accommodations can be requested. Five (5) work days' advance notice requested.

TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES

There is more than one way to reach the library if you need assistance with library and literacy services or in locating information:

• TTYs are available in most library branches.
  
• Ask-a-Librarian service via email and online chat.
  

CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION

For additional information on resources or programs or to get on the email distribution list for announcements of library programs to the deaf and hard of hearing community, contact the Coordinator of Library Services to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community at drcinfo@montgomerycountymd.gov.