Morris County Library: Deaf Resource Center

Morris County Library > Deaf Resource Center

Deaf Resource Center

Morris County Library serves the residents of Morris, Bergen, Hunterdon, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex and Warren (NJ) counties. If you live in Morris County (and have a current library card), visit us to borrow anything you need. If you live in one of our other service area counties, contact your local librarian to have these items sent directly to your home town library.

Videos
The Northwest Jersey Assn of the Deaf, Inc (NWJAD) and the Higgs Family Foundation have donated the ASL Access Video Collection of 200 videos to our library. The Clifford R. Rowley ASL Video Collection, now held in only two other public libraries in the country, includes children's stories, original ASL poetry, comedy, drama, translations of classic literature, biographies and ASL instruction films. The collection honors Cliff Rowley for his strong leadership and volunteer work in establishing programs and services for the deaf.

Books
To find books and other material in our library catalog, search using these subject headings.

Hardware for the hearing & visually impaired

closed caption decoders
comtex wireless auditory assistance kit
conference microphones
hearing helper personal FM systems
listen-aiders (amplificiation units)
microloop assistive-listening system
Perkins brailler (braille typewriter)
personal PA value pack systems
pocket talkers (personal amplifiers)
portable phone amplifier
TTY units
Borrowing Equipment
All items have a 14-day loan period, with a one-time renewal. All items are available to Morris County library card holders, or via an ALA form for patrons with out-of-county library cards. All items are only available via in-person pick-up. (Morris County does not ship any AV hardware.) The most frequently-used items are:
Hearing Helper Personal FM System: a transmitter and receiver. Person wearing the receiver can use a neckloop or headphones.
Personal PA Value Pack System: transmitter allows listeners to hear what is being said through a public address system. Receiver can be neckloop or headphones; transmitter is connected to the PA system.
Listen-aider Units/Pocket Talkers: amplification increases volume in the immediate environment. Can be used one-on-one or in very small groups.

Reference sources
Whether you need special education programs for your child, a list of assistive hearing device manufacturers, self-help groups or the latest medical research on specific hearing problems, our reference librarians are ready to help. We offer a variety of health-related directories, catalogs and databases. If we don't have the information you need, we will find out which ....association....school....government agency....does, and contact them on your behalf. Just ask!

Meeting Room
The Morris County Library's new building a large public meeting room, smaller conference room and several group study rooms that can be reserved for your group. They can be fitted with any/all of the assistive devices you require. Want to reserve the room? We can also help you find an ASL interpreter for your event.

Web sites

Organizations serving people with hearing loss, in New Jersey (68 pages): from the state Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
Marie H. Katzenbach School for the Deaf: New Jersey's state school offers a wide range of programs, services and support services for our local deaf community.
American School for the Deaf: Located in West Hartford, Ct., this school offers one of the nation's most established and comprehensive deaf education services.
National Information Center on Deafness (NICD): Sponsored by Gallaudet University, this organization is dedicated to bringing you the newest research on health, social and educational option for the deaf.
Directory of National Organizations of and for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People: Also maintained by Gallaudet University. Excellent set of links to dozens of active deaf-related organizations.
League for the Hard of Hearing: Resources, education and a whole lot more!
Self Help for Hard of Hearing People: A resource for local groups and practical advice.

Have questions about our services or equipment?
Drop a note to Coordinator Ellen Stringer.
TTY (973)285-6942 (24 hours)
AT&T Relay Center 1-800-852-7899
Phone (973) 285-6950, extension 208
Fax (973)285-6965