State librarian and advocates press for stable funding for Deaf Culture Digital Library

Delegate Ryan Spiegel introduced House Bill 6-78 to provide recurring annual state funding for the Maryland Deaf Culture Digital Library (DCDL).

"Over 1.2 million Marylanders are deaf or hard of hearing. That's 1 in 5 Marylanders across the state," Spiegel said, and described DCDL as a first-of-its-kind statewide library and resource center for deaf culture hosted by the State Library Agency.

State Librarian (name given in testimony) told the committee the DCDL was initially funded at $235,000 annually, but usage has surged nearly 80 percent and projected costs for collections, personnel and services are rising toward roughly $442,000, prompting the sponsor’s $450,000 recurring request. "Without this funding, the Deaf Culture Digital Library will be forced to cut services and programs and personnel and there will be a direct negative impact on Maryland's deaf and hard of hearing community," the state librarian said.

Representatives from the Prince George's County Memorial Library System and the DCDL’s library coordinator testified in support, describing service growth, the statewide reach of DCDL collections and outreach, and the need for training and technology investment.

Committee members expressed support and asked clarifying questions; no vote or amendment action was recorded in the hearing. Witnesses said the Senate cross-file had already moved and asked the committee to issue a favorable report.

Why it matters: advocates described DCDL as enhancing access to information, interpreter training and literacy for deaf and hard-of-hearing Marylanders and said recurring state funds are needed to sustain expanding services, digital collections and staff expertise.

Next steps: sponsor requested a favorable report; staff follow-up on fiscal mechanics and appropriation language was discussed.