PECKVILLE, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — The Valley Community Library continued its series of beginner American Sign Language classes Monday evening, offering community members a chance to learn seasonal vocabulary tied to winter and Valentine’s Day.
The recurring program has grown steadily since its first session in September.
The library now offers the classes once a month through May, with a break over the summer before returning in September.
Fawn Contreras, head of youth services at the library, said the response has been overwhelmingly positive.
“It’s been really interesting to see everybody come out and practice it and come back each month to learn more. This program has been in high demand for years and has been asked for a lot. We’re really happy that we can give the community this educational experience,” Contreras said.
The program is taught by Nicole Miller, a lifelong ASL user who was born hard of hearing and deaf, along with interpreter Daphne MacLeod.
Library staff said having an instructor who uses ASL daily brings a level of representation and authenticity they hoped to offer when launching the program.
Together, Miller and MacLeod demonstrate full ASL conversations so participants can see how different people communicate and learn the language.
Their instruction covers basics such as the alphabet, numbers, introductions, and manners before moving into simple sentences and themed vocabulary.
The program is designed for anyone ages 8 and older, and no prior knowledge is required.
Staff said the drop-in structure allows newcomers to join at any time because each session begins with the same foundation.
Contreras said that learning ASL offers the community an important communication tool, especially for people who may experience hearing loss as they age or for families with young children who respond well to visual language.
The next ASL class will center on St. Patrick’s Day vocabulary and is scheduled for Monday, March 2, at 5:30 p.m.
For more information on upcoming events, visit their website.