Services for People with Hearing Disabilities

Assistive Listening Devices
Personal amplifiers are available at Branch Locations of the Monmouth County Library System. The devices may be used in the library only. They simply amplify sound. More sophisticated devices are available for home use through the Assistive Listening Technology Loan Program.


Assistive Listening Technology Loan Program
This program makes two types of systems available to the public: Personal FM Systems (for use up to 150 feet), and Wide Area FM Systems (for use in larger spaces). Both systems are portable and come with simple instructions. They readily connect to all types of hearing aids and cochlear implants, and also work well for people without aids or implants, via earbuds or lightweight headsets. Assistive Listening Technology Loan Program devices are available for use at library functions as well as for loan to individuals and organizations. Either system may be reserved for up to four weeks. Repeat loans may be permitted upon availability. This program is made possible by a grant from the NJ Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to the NJ Library for the Blind and Handicapped, through its Deaf and Hard of Hearing Awareness Program. Please contact Kim Avagliano at (732) 431-7240 for borrowing information.


Closed Captioned Videos and DVDs
Closed captioned videos and DVDs provide captions that can be seen with a closed captioned decoder or with a built-in decoder on newer televisions. Videos and DVDs with this feature contain the symbol (CC). The Library has an extensive collection of videos and DVDs, both educational and entertainment, which are closed-captioned for the hearing impaired.


Deaf & Hard of Hearing Awareness Program
The Deaf & Hard of Hearing Awareness Program (DHHAP) at the New Jersey Library for the Blind and Handicapped in Trenton is a statewide federally funded grant program. It provides information and library services to people who are Deaf, hard of hearing or late-deafened, their families, friends and professionals who work with them.

All materials are available free of charge, via interlibrary loan, through public, private, and academic libraries throughout New Jersey. Contact your local Branch Location or the Headquarters Library for information, or contact us by TTY (732) 845-0064, or by e-mail at kavagliano@monmouthcountylib.org.

What is Available?
  • Over 700 videotapes and books on topics related to hearing loss and deafness
  • Assistive devices such as TTY’s, baby cry signalers, bed vibrators, closed captioned decoders, personal FM listening devices
  • Magazines and newsletters from a variety of local, state, national organizations and publishers.
  • Vertical files of newspaper clippings, press releases and other pertinent information
  • Conference rooms available for meetings and workshops
The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Awareness Program (DHHAP) is located at the NJ Library for the Blind and Handicapped, PO Box 501, 2300 Stuyvesant Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08625-0501.
TTY: 877- 882-5593
Voice: 800-792-8322 or 609-530-3957
Fax: 609-530-6384


New Jersey Relay Service
New Jersey Relay Service (NJRS) is a free, statewide phone service that enables people who are Deaf, hard of hearing or speech disabled to communicate effectively over the telephone.

Using a device called a teletypewriter (TTY), a relay user types his or her part of the conversation to a Communications Assistant (CA) who reads the text aloud to any hearing person the relay user calls. The CA types the spoken reply from the hearing person back to the relay user. There is no charge for the CA to relay your conversation but rates for long distance and other standard charges apply.

Dialing 711 from most phones within New Jersey will allow you to access NJRS. Although 711 is the easiest way to reach NJRS directly, relay callers using a TTY may also dial 1-800-852-7988 and voice callers may dial 1-800-852-7897 to reach the service as well.


Regional Resource Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
The Monmouth County Library is one of 15 statewide Deaf and Hard of Hearing Awareness Program Regional Resource Centers. Through a cooperative arrangement with the state library our patrons have access to a variety of equipment and materials, including books and videotapes on topics related to hearing loss, assistive listening devices, and interpreted programs with advance notice. The state’s inventory includes TTYs, Closed Captioned decoders, baby cry signalers (Sonic Alert), bed vibrators (Sonic Alert), and Infrared Systems.


Sign Language Interpreters
Sign Language Interpreting services are available for library events. When sign language interpreters are needed for library programming, contact the Branch Location at which the program will be held to make arrangements for services or call the Public Relations Department at (732) 431-7242. Call at least three weeks before the program to allow for the arrangements to be made.


TTY (Teletypewriter)
A TTY is a device that allows persons to type telephone conversations back and forth. Conversations are read from a lighted display screen and/or a paper printout on the TTY. The library may be reached via TTY at: (732) 845-0064. The TTY is located in the Headquarters facility, and will automatically answer calls and take messages 24 hours a day. The library also has a TTY available for loan. Please contact Kim Avagliano at (732) 431-7240 for borrowing information.