Deaf Resources Section

We have an updated collection of Deaf Resources at iKnow in the Central Library.

We have many titles in both books and BSL videos based at iKnow such as:

Linguistics of British Sign Language

Buddhas in Disguise

Cartoons and Comic Strips on Deaf Humour

Deaf Heritage in Canada

Deaf Sport

Deaf Nation Symposium (1997 and 1999)

Deaf Humour

Living Heritage of the Deaf Community

...........and many more in the Deaf Resources section.

We also have a variety of magazines such as:

SIGNMatters (formerly BDN)

One in Seven

Deaf Arts UK

Talk, etc.

Tapes and CDs in BSL from Tyne Tees Television's Newsweek programme.

You can search our Newsweek database here to find out which news articles are available on video or CD. You can borrow Newsweek videos from the library.

Many different reports and other things.

Children's Library

There is a small collection of books and videos for Deaf children and their families in the Children's Library at the Central Library.

Families who have hearing babies can use this collection as it includes titles "My First Signs", "Sign and Singalong Nursery Rhymes", etc. They can use it to teach their babies signs before they develop speech to help communication between parent and child.

Examples of some books which have Deaf characters:

Can you hear a rainbow

I'm Deaf and It's Okay

Jordan has a hearing aid

We do provide storytelling sessions in BSL for D/deaf children and their hearing siblings. Please contact us if you're interested in bringing your children to these sessions.
Do I have to pay?

Library membership is free to anyone who lives in the North East

You need membership before you can borrow anything. Bring some proof of your name and address, such as a driving licence or current bill, or see our joining instructions page for more information

Deaf Resources videos are free of charge for one week

Books are free for up to three weeks

Internet access (2 hours each day) is free

There are some things you will need to pay for, i.e. borrowing films on DVD with subtitles, or videos (closed-captioned) etc.

Videophones
You can contact us on videophone on 0191 478 5986. There is also a new videophone for you to use at the Central Library - please contact us for more information.

Internet
You can use the Internet free at all Gateshead libraries. We can offer you and other Deaf people training on how to use the Internet (free) in BSL. To find your local library, see our listing of Gateshead libraries.

Videos and DVDs
Our Sound Gallery at the Central Library has closed-captioned videos, marked with a blue or yellow sticker, and many DVDs are subtitled. See the Sound Gallery home page for more information.

British Sign Language video translation service
If you would prefer to have information through British Sign Language video, we can do this for you.

For further details please contact the Information Assistant (British Sign Language), on:

Minicom: 0191 478 4839
SMS: 07887 628004 (text messages only)
Fax: 0191 477 7852
Videophone: 0191 478 5986
E-mail: airs@gateshead.gov.uk