Sign Language Course Returns

An illustration shows three diverse, illustrated people. Above them is hands showing various sign language signs.

The six-week basic American sign language class begins on September 20. This hands-on series teaches how to improve your service to deaf and hard-of-hearing patrons. We cover basic information about American Sign Language and Deaf Culture and specific vocabulary for the library setting. Each session builds on the proceeding to reinforce knowledge and expand participants’ communication skills with members of the Deaf community. Sessions are recorded and available for three months for those who cannot attend live.

Presenter Kathy MacMillan is a nationally certified American Sign Language interpreter, instructor, consultant, writer, and signing storyteller. Kathy is the author of the Little Hands Signing board book series (Familius Press) and Little Hands and Big Hands: Children and Adults Signing Together (Huron Street Press), as well as many other books for children, teens, and adults. She has worked in public libraries for over twenty years and was the Library/Media Specialist at the Maryland School for the Deaf, Columbia Campus, from 2001 to 2005. Kathy presents American Sign Language programs for families and workshops for workshops and educators. She also serves on the board of Deaf Camps, Inc., a nonprofit organization that provides camps for deaf and hard-of-hearing children and children learning American Sign Language. She lives in Baltimore, MD.

Upcoming Event

Silver oyster shaped jewelrey on a wooden table.

Speaker at the Center: Silversmith Kaminer Haislip, "Charleston Silver, Past to Present"

August 7, 2025, 6:00 PM

Join us at the next installment of the Speaker at the Center series with Charleston silversmith Kaminer Haislip. Haislip's rice spoon was recently added to the Charleston Museum's collection and she has received a grant from SC Humanities to study silver techniques abroad. Kaminer will present a lecture titled Charleston Silver, Past to Present on the history of colonial Charleston silversmithing and how it relates to her contemporary silver designs.