Newark Library Will Take Sign Language Classes On Tour This Summer

NEWARK, NJ — The Newark Public Library’s popular American Sign Language classes are going “on tour” this summer.

It was three decades ago that the first ASL class took place in the Newark Public Library’s special services room. Since then, the program has blossomed into a community of its own.

The free, public classes teach crucial basic skills to parents, families and friends of people with hearing loss who want to learn ASL. And even now – decades after their inception – they remain a hugely popular program at the Newark Library.

• Read More: Popular Sign Language Classes At Newark Library Inspire Community

Now, the classes are hitting the road and visiting Newark Public Library branches throughout the city (see the schedule below). Participants will get a chance to develop basic-level skills in the widely used language of the deaf in the U.S. and Canada. They will also learn about American deaf culture, and gain valuable insight for future encounters with people who are deaf in professional and social contexts, organizers said.

Classes take place from 6 to 7 p.m. and are open to people ages 7 and up. Here’s the schedule and topics:

• July 19 (Weequahic Branch Library) – ABC, My Name, Family, People, Pronouns
• Aug. 2 (Springfield Branch Library) – Home, Clothing, Colors, Food, Eating
• Aug. 9 (Van Buren Branch Library) – Action words, Sports, Hobbies
• Aug. 16 (Vailsburg Branch Library) – Animals, Nature, Sciences
• Aug. 23 (Branch Brook Library) – Thoughts, Emotions, Times, Seasons, Weather
• Aug. 30 (North End Branch Library) – Basic emergency signing, Education, Careers

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