Library Services for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing

09/05/2025

🌟 Staff Spotlight 🌟
Meet Cynthia Moynihan - Equal Access Manaager

Cynthia Moynihan joined NPL in April 2024 as Manager of Library Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (LSDHH). In September 2025, she became Equal Access Manager, overseeing Equal Access, LSDHH, and the Nashville Talking Library (NTL). She takes pride in working with a united team that serves Davidson County and the entire state of Tennessee, connecting people of all ages with resources that promote accessibility.

With her lifelong dedication to assisting others with disabilities – and her own experience as a child with hearing loss and as a late-deafened adult – Cynthia remains committed to advocacy and education. She is grateful to serve on various nonprofit boards and committees, using those platforms to create meaningful change for NPL and the broader disability community.

Cynthia often reflects on a friend’s words: “A diagnosis doesn’t tell our whole story, but our courage and compassion in how we move forward does."

Fun fact: She’s one of several on the LSDHH team who can lip read.

Nashville Talking Library Nashville Public Library Canine Companions

09/04/2025

🌟 Did you know September is Deaf Awareness Month? 🌟

We’re celebrating by sharing the story of Thomas Marr, a deaf architect from Nashville whose determination and creativity continue to inspire today!

📸 Some photos and information courtesy of the Tennessee Schools for the Deaf, Tennessee State Library & Archives, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and DEAF LIFE!

💡 What did you learn from his story? Comment below!

Nashville Talking Library Nashville Public Library

09/03/2025

On May 21st, LSDHH hosted a Library Lunch and Learn on “Understanding Hearing Aids & Cochlear Implants” with audiologists Dr. Laura Gifford and Dr. Randi Yontz. For those who were unable to attend, we’re pleased to share the video here.

If you have any questions, please email us at lsdhh@nashville.gov

In the meantime, visit our website to explore upcoming events, workshops, resources, and more: https://tndeaflibrary.nashville.gov/

Nashville Public Library Nashville Talking Library

Learn how hearing aids and cochlear implants work, and how these devices can improve communication and quality of life.

09/02/2025

This fall, the Vanderbilt University Museum of Art invites the public to look at works on paper in unexpected ways through the exhibition Paper Backs: Hidden Stories of European Prints from the Vanderbilt University Museum of Art Collection, on view from September 2 through December 7, 2025. Paper Backs highlights physical aspects of works on paper that are often hidden in exhibition settings, including stamped collectors’ marks, offhand doodles, and improvised mounts. Focusing on both the fronts and backs of prints, the exhibition traces their movement between artists and collectors, demonstrating the changing value of paper images over time and introducing visitors to key aspects of art historical detective work.

Many of the sixty prints shown in Paper Backs will be displayed for the first time; the exhibition was inspired by VUMA’s recently rediscovered collection of more than 6,400 European and American works on paper dating from 1500 to 1915 originally assembled by the New York-based Sullivan family for the George Peabody College for Teachers. The exhibition is generously supported by a grant from the IFPDA Foundation. Learn more about Paper Backs at https://www.vanderbilt.edu/art-museum/exhibitions/

Fall 25 Programs at VUMA with ASL interpretation are:

Curator’s Tours with Dr. Courtney Wilder, VUMA Sullivan Collection Curator
Sep 15 12:00pm
Oct 25 2:00pm

Illustrated Lecture with Dr. Britany Salsbury, Curator of Prints & Drawings, Cleveland Museum of Art
Sep 25 4:10pm

VUMA programs and events are all free and open to all.

Vanderbilt University

08/29/2025

Library Services for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing (LSDHH) is part of Nashville Public Library. All NPL locations, including LSDHH, will be closed on Monday, September 1 in observance of Labor Day.

08/29/2025

Communication Tip of the Day from LSDHH!👥 Good communication starts with something simple: face the person you’re talking to.

For Deaf and Hard of Hearing people, clear visual access makes conversations smoother and more inclusive. Let’s keep our connections strong by staying present, visible, and engaged. 💬✨

Nashville Public Library

08/28/2025

🍒 Happy National Cherry Turnover Day from LSDHH! 🍒

Just like a cherry turnover brings a sweet surprise, our programs bring support, resources, and connection to Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing Tennesseans. Explore workshops, events, and more designed to make life a little sweeter for everyone! https://tndeaflibrary.nashville.gov/

Nashville Nashville Talking Library

08/27/2025

🎲✨ Family Game Night - Fun for Everyone! ✨🎲

Join us for an unforgettable evening of laughter, connection, and games designed with accessibility in mind!

Featuring ASL and Braille games
All ages and abilities welcome
Hosted by Library Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Come play, learn, and make memories together – whether you're Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Blind, or sighted, there's something for everyone!
Let's celebrate community, inclusivity, and fun!

📅 September 4th, 2025
🕕 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
📍 3700 James Kay Ln. Hermitage, TN

You are welcome to sign up for this event - https://www.jotform.com/form/241004894286156

Please visit the LSDHH website to learn more about events, resources, workshops, and more! https://tndeaflibrary.nashville.gov/

Nashville Public Library Nashville Public Library - Hermitage Nashville Talking Library

08/27/2025

Did you know Knoxville Center of the Deaf has a new Executive Director?

Meet Tom D’Angelo – a passionate advocate with over 28 years of experience in marketing, outreach, and telecommunications relay services, all with a strong focus on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. His work has supported businesses, nonprofits, schools, and individuals alike.

Everyone is welcome to join us to meet Tom and learn about his expertise in advocacy and community engagement!

To receive the Zoom link for this workshop, please go here and fill it out: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/r9bBgZfrQPyEhekTjZufGw #/registration

Please visit the LSDHH website to learn more about events, resources, workshops, and more! https://tndeaflibrary.nashville.gov/

Knoxville Center of the Deaf Nashville Public Library

08/26/2025

Happy National Dog Day from LSDHH! 🐾

Today we’re celebrating the incredible ways service dogs change lives. We’d like to share Rachel Seidman’s story with her Canine Companions service dog, Rosalind:

“For years, my biggest fear was dying in a fire because I couldn’t hear the smoke alarm. That fear followed me to bed every night.

Canine Companions Rosalind helped my fear melt away. While I may not hear, she’s always listening. This is what independence feels like.

Thanks to Rosalind, I no longer fear what I might miss. She will alert me to sounds I need to know: the fire alarm, doorbells or someone calling my name. Now, I can focus on making meaningful connections and living my life with confidence and greater independence.”

-Rachel Seidman with Service Dog Rosalind

For 50 years, thanks to donors like you, people with disabilities have received expertly trained Canine Companions service dogs, free of charge. But the need is growing — and every day is another opportunity for independence.

🐕‍🦺 Your gift today helps match more people with life-changing sooner and Make Every Day Independence Day.

➡️ Donate NOW to Canine Companions and Help End the Wait: canine.org/helpendthewait

Canine Companions

Nashville Public Library

08/26/2025

What does communication access mean?

For some, it’s captioning. For others, it’s tactile interpreters or video relay. For all of us, it’s the foundation of connection.

At LSDHH, we believe access isn’t optional — it’s essential.

Nashville Public Library

08/20/2025

The LSDHH Mission??

To connect you with the resources, programs, and people that matter most!

Communication Access!

Lifelong Learning!

Cultural Connection!

--that's what LSDHH is about!