AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL

MEDIA RELEASE

2 May 2007

Get a taste of New Zealand Sign Language Week

Auckland City Libraries is supporting the first ever New Zealand Sign Language Week 7-13 May with sign language classes and a signed storytime.

During New Zealand Sign Language Week, the Deaf community and the public will celebrate the anniversary of New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) becoming New Zealand's third official language last year.

The Central City Library and five community libraries will host NZSL "taster" classes throughout the week, which will be taught by members of the NZ Sign Language Teachers Association.

The Pt Chevalier Community Library will hold a children's storytime in spoken English and NZSL on Monday, 7 May.

During NZSL Week, library displays at Auckland City Libraries will feature books and DVDs that can be borrowed by people who are learning NZSL.

As part of its commitment to meeting the needs of the whole community, Auckland City Libraries seeks to promote the language and culture of Deaf New Zealanders. Recent initiatives have included Deaf awareness training for library staff and displaying NZSL finger spelling posters in libraries.

ENDS

Note to editors:

Taster classes
7 May, 3pm + 4pm: Pt Chevalier Community Library
8 May, 1pm, 5pm + 6.30pm: First floor, Central City Library
10 May, 10.00am: Avondale Community Library
11 May, 3pm + 4pm: First floor, Central City Library
12 May, 12pm: Glen Innes Community Library
12 May, 12pm + 1pm: Leys Institute Ponsonby Community Library
12 May, 2pm: First floor, Central City Library
12 May, 2pm: Onehunga Community Library
To book a place, please call reception on 377 0209.

Special NZSL storytime
7 May, 2pm: Pt Chevalier Community Library

For more information about Auckland City Libraries, please go to www.aucklandcitylibraries.com.
For more information about New Zealand Sign Language Week go to www.nzslta.org.nz.

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