Parents' Library for Deaf Children

ESPP Parents' Library for deaf children

The ESPP parents' library for deaf children is available to all families with deaf children under 2 years living in London.

The library was funded by the Department for Education and Skills and the RNID as part of the Early Support Pilot Programme (ESPP). It aims to provide better and wider information to families on deafness and related issues.

Contents of the library

The library has a range of books which can be borrowed or used in the library as reference books. The books cover general aspects of children under 2 years such as parenting, child development and language. We also have books on deafness and deaf issues for readers new to the subject and those who want more detailed information. We have a small number of picture books that parents can enjoy with their child - some of these are available in other languages.

Videos and journals

We have a selection of journals and leaflets from charities and organisations which parents can look through. In addition we have a collection of videos on deaf issues, deaf education and sign language. There is also a TV and Video in the room for parents and families to watch videos from our collection.

Mobile library

We understand that some people will not be able to travel to the library. We therefore have a mobile library system. Families need to talk to their local teacher of the deaf to use this service. The teacher of the deaf contacts the library to borrow items from our stock. These can then be put in mobile boxes and collected. Families can then borrow items from the boxes for a set period of time.

Information on-line

There is a lot of information for families on the Internet on deafness and related issues. Families can access the Internet in the library and download information to take away. How to reach the library The library is in the Acorn Family Centre which is part of the Wandsworth Hearing Impaired Service. The address is 101 Nightingale Lane, Balham SW12 8NA. You can reach the library by Tube on the Northern Line (nearest stations are Clapham South and Balham) or by British Rail to Wandsworth Common Station.

Please contact us before you come on 020 8673 7564 (telephone/fax/minicom)

Our web site address is: www.esppdeaflibrary.org.uk