Deaf Culture Digital Library

Maryland Deaf Culture Digital Library is dedicated to providing leadership and guidance by making eBooks, videos, and resources accessible.

Featured Resources

Black History Month banner featuring book covers by Black authors on a red, green, and yellow background.

Every February, we celebrate the contributions of Black Americans who have shaped our nation. Black History Month provides an opportunity to understand Black history, highlighting achievements alongside the stories of racism and slavery.

At the DCDL, Black History Month provides a chance to celebrate Black Deaf Americans and their contributions to the Deaf Community.

Spotlight of the Month

Learn Black American Sign Language

Deaf history has been told primarily from a white-centered lens, pushing Black Deaf history into the background. However, today, Black signers are telling the hidden stories of Black Deaf people and celebrating their language, exposing their dialect to millions across the world. Learn Black American Sign Language shares the often overlooked details of its history. The book provides:

  • An introduction to Black ASL and the importance of understanding BASL
  • The history of BASL, from its origins in school segregation policies to its development among Black students, families, and communities
  • BASL today, its continual existence, and the influence of African American Vernacular English (AAVE)
  • Over 200 BASL signs, each accompanied with full-color photographs
  • And more!

by Franklin R. Jones Jr. and Dr. Carolyn McCaskill

Gallaudet University Press’s Black Deaf Authors

Resource courtesy of Joseph C. Hill, Professor of Deaf Studies and Linguistics and Director of the Center for Black Deaf Studies at Gallaudet University

Valentine’s Day

Most Recent Released Romance Books to Read.

Click here if you want to check out the list of top ten borrowed romantic books

Newest Resources

National Technical Institute for the Deaf

NTID at RIT is the world’s largest technological college for deaf students, offering premier academic programs.
View Resource

Gallaudet University

Gallaudet University is the premier bilingual university for deaf and hard of hearing students, offering 60+ programs in ASL and English.
View Resource

Class of ’52

A documentary exploring the integration of Black Deaf students at the Kendall School during the 1950s Civil Rights era.
View Resource

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

If you or a loved one is struggling with thoughts of suicide, anxiety, depression or problems with drugs or alcohol, reach out to the 988 Lifeline. You can call, text or chat with a caring call specialist  who can assist in directing you to information and resources in your area.

Your Library Journey Options

The library website offers a wealth of resources for all ages, interests, and needs. Whether you’re looking for eBooks, digital videos, online journals, or information about local libraries, you can find it all here. Here are a few of the resources you can explore through DCDL.

eBooks resource, OverDrive logo.

eBooks - Overdrive

Read your favorite books online or download them to your device.

Video player icon in style of a scribble with a triangle play button in center.

Digital Videos

Watch movies, TV shows, and educational videos in sign language.

Drawing of a tablet and newspaper in style of a scribble.

Resources & Online Journals

Access digital resources and scholarly journals and magazines.

Maryland State Library logo with small piece of Maryland state flag in a circle on the left side.

Find Maryland Local Libraries

Find a library near you and learn about its services.

Materials Loans from Maryland Libraries - Marina

MARINA can be used to request items only if they are not owned by your local library system.

A diverse group of 10 people sit together during an event while watching a presenter that's not shown on the image.

Explore Deaf Community Events

Meet and mingle with the  deaf community.

Discover eBooks, streaming videos, online journals, and information about nearby libraries, all in one centralized place and tailored to the needs of Maryland’s deaf community.

About Us

The Deaf Culture Digital Library provides resources and information about deaf culture to Maryland residents and offers access to digital collections of deaf-related books, videos, articles, and more.