Category Archives: American Sign Language

Hands-on Practice to Help You Serve Deaf Patrons at Your Library

Text appears against a background of colorful hands: Hands Up: Live ASL Practice for Library Staff. Interactive webinar series presented by Kathy MacMillan, NIC, M.L.S. Beginner (6 week series): Wednesdays, January 21 to March 4, 2026 (no class February 11), 12-1 PM Eastern/11 AM-12 PM Central/10-11 AM Mountain/9-10 AM Pacific. Includes recording access. StoriesByHand.com/webinars.

Hands Up: Live ASL Practice for Library Staff (Beginner)

Wednesdays, January 21 to March 4, 2026 (no class February 11) from 12-1 PM Eastern/11 AM-12 PM Central/10-11 AM Mountain/9-10 AM Pacific

Online sessions via Zoom (6 weeks, 1 hour per week). Includes recording access for all sessions through April 5, 2026.

Learn how to improve your service to deaf patrons in this interactive series. We’ll cover basic information about American Sign Language and Deaf Culture, as well as specific vocabulary for the library setting. Each session will build on those before it to reinforce your knowledge and expand your ability to communicate with members of the Deaf community, and you’ll get plenty of interactive signing practice! Certificate of completion available with successful completion of post-test.

Pricing:

  • Individual: 270.00 (includes live webinar and recording access through 30 days after the final session)
  • Group rates available for groups of 10 or more. Contact info@storiesbyhand.com for more information.

Past participants say:

“Hands Up! was one of the most enjoyable and practical continuing ed courses I have taken in a long time. I found the ASL lessons extremely valuable as well as the introduction to Deaf culture. I have already had opportunities to put these new skills into practice at my library.” – Sarah Matthews, Wadsworth Library 

“I’ve been wanting to build on my ASL skills for a while, but I knew most of the classes I took in the community or independent study I did online wouldn’t cover the vocabulary I needed for my job. This class was perfect for learning library-specific vocabulary!” – Anonymous 

“I loved this workshop, it was a great introduction to library vocab in ASL!” – Anonymous 

“Thanks for another outstanding learning experience! I’ve loved taking what I learned back to my colleagues and customers.” – Anonymous

“Thank you! You are obviously knowledgeable about ASL and a great teacher. I expected to learn just ASL signs, but the background, history and info about Deaf culture that you shared was even more valuable to me.” – Holly CP, Tigard Public Library 


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Get Ready for World Read Aloud Day!

World Read Aloud Day is an annual celebration of sharing stories organized by LitWorld. This year’s World Read Aloud Day will be Wednesday, February 4, 2026.

Many authors and illustrators volunteer to provide quick virtual read-aloud visits with classrooms around the world to share the joy of stories, and many also provide video resources for you to share with the children in your life. Read on for more resources to help you celebrate World Read Aloud Day!

English and ASL Video Storytimes from Kathy MacMillan for World Read Aloud Day (or anytime!)

 

Book a Live Session with Your Class for World Read Aloud Day on February 4, 2026!

Like many authors and illustrators, I am offering FREE 20-minute virtual visits for World Read Aloud Day!  Each visit consists of a read-aloud from one of my books and time for Q&A. Contact me to schedule your visit!

You can also check out this list compiled by the amazing Kate Messner to find more authors and illustrators who would love to visit with your classroom on World Read Aloud Day.

Add some ASL to your winter storytime toolbox!

Two snowpeople smile at the viewer. Text reads: Little Hands Signing in Storytime: Winter Signs. Wednesday, January 7, 2026, 12-1 PM Eastern/11 AM-12 PM Central/10-11 AM Mountain/9-10 AM Pacific. Presented by Kathy MacMillan, NIC, MLS. Register at StoriesByHand.com/webinars

Little Hands Signing in Storytime: Winter Signs

Wednesday, January 7, 2026 from 12-1 PM Eastern/11 AM-12 PM Central/10-11 AM Mountain/9-10 AM Pacific

Online session via Zoom (1 hour). Includes recording access for 30 days.

Learn basic American Sign Language and extension activities to use in winter storytimes! Learn how to incorporate ASL into storytime songs, rhymes, and stories in a respectful and effective way.

Certificate of completion available with successful completion of post-test.

Pricing:

  • Individual: 45.00 (includes live webinar and recording access for 30 days after the live event)
  • Group rates available for groups of 10 or more. Contact info@storiesbyhand.com for more information.
  • Optional Add-on: Individualized video feedback: 25.00. Submit a video (up to 10 min) demonstrating your planned signing activities for storytime and receive individualized feedback on sign choices, production, and more from Kathy MacMillan via return video within 14 days. Must be used within 6 months of purchase.

All upcoming webinars and series

Feedback from Workshop and Webinar Participants

Find out more about booking a private webinar for your group

FAQ: eCourses and Webinars

Purchase recording access to past webinars

Book now for Summer Reading 2026!

The Collaborative Summer Reading Theme for 2026 is: Unearth a Story/Desentierra una Historia.

Stories by Hand has you covered with a high-energy, interactive program for multiple age groups:

I Dig American Sign Language. Book now for summer reading 2026! Let’s dig deep and learn basic American Sign Language for dinosaurs, diggers, and the things we love through stories, songs, and more! StoriesByHand.com/summerreading

I Dig American Sign Language

Let’s dig deep and learn basic American Sign Language for dinosaurs, diggers, and the things we love through stories, songs, and more! Presented by Kathy MacMillan, author of the Little Hands Signing series and Little Hands and Big Hands: Children and Adults Signing Together.

This program can be presented as an all-ages program or adapted to a baby, toddler, preschooler, or school-age audience.

Indoor, outdoor, and online programs available.

  • Single program (45 minutes): $500 plus travel expenses.
  • Additional same-day sessions: $400 plus travel expenses.

Book a program for Summer 2026 by February 1, 2026 and get 15% off the single program rate!

Maryland libraries: ask about FREE programming with Arts in Education grant funding!

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Interested in a different program theme? Check out all program offerings here.