The Gallaudet University Library is the center of learning and creativity for a unique academic community — one that celebrates Deaf culture and visual communication. The library belongs to the Washington Research Library Consortium (WRLC) and supports both students and researchers.
Its small but meaningful collection of artists’ books focuses on the relationship between art, language, and communication. Many of the works are by Joseph Grigely, a Deaf artist from Chicago. His books explore written conversations and visual storytelling, offering a thoughtful reflection on how people connect beyond spoken words.
Finding the Artists’ Books
To locate the artists’ books, open the library catalog and search for “artists’ books” using quotation marks. Choose Gallaudet as the location and refine your search under “subject terms.” This will display the complete list of artists’ books held by the library.
Visiting the Library
The Gallaudet University Library is at 800 Florida Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20002. Take the Red Line to the NoMa–Gallaudet University station. From there, walk along 2nd Street NE, then turn right on Florida Avenue. The library will be on the left after about half a mile.
What to Expect
The artists’ books, including those by Joseph Grigely, are located in a non-circulating section listed as “GA: UNIV DEAF Copy 1 Room.” They can be viewed on-site by request at the library desk. These books cannot be borrowed but are available for study.
Gallaudet’s approach to art and books reflects the richness of Deaf culture. Each piece shows how language and creativity merge in powerful visual ways. Here, silence has its own voice, and art becomes a form of communication that everyone can understand.