The library is a wonderful, and free, resource for homeschoolers.
Where can you find great movies, exciting music, preschool storytime, and an traveling exhibition of Alexander Hamilton? At your local library, of course!
Public libraries are a wonderful resource for homeschooling families. Libraries are free, full of information, and perfect for all age levels.
Not Just Books
The library is so much more than books. Movies, tapes and CD's, magazines and journals, and audiobooks are also regular stars at the library. Tapes and CD's can be especially fun. Use the library as a way to explore music you do not normally listen to, or find cultural music to go with a history or geography lesson.
Audiobooks are a treasure at the library. These titles range from classic children's stories to new book releases to non-fiction. A recent trip to a public library led to a discovery of the wide selection of such titles as: Superfudge, by Judy Blume; D'Aulaires Greek Myths; The Weather Channel Presents.... non-fiction series on weather topics aimed at kids; and the Chronicles of Narnia. Audiobooks make excellent learning moments in the car while on errands or at home on a rainy day. The one disadvantage is that sometimes the tapes or CD's are worn out from so much use. However, the advantages are numerous.
Use the Web
Libraries are modern, too. Most public libraries are now on the web. Use their rich, information-filled websites to get the most out of a library experience. Just a quick look, using a search engine, revealed library sites from all-over. Each site has its own pearl of wisdom well-worth looking at. For example, one library site (St. Joseph School Library, Washington State) lists new book and reading suggestions for st through 8th grade. A little more exploring this particular site led to a great page filled with links to local and state information. Other library sites offer lists of web links for kids, homework help, access to practice tests for the ACT, SAT, and other tests, and much more.
Social Center
Libraries offer another great resource for the homeschooling family - they can function as a social center. Through various programs for children, the library gives homeschooling families a way to meet other families. Preschool storytime is always popular. Many libraries offer a summer reading program with social activities throughout the summer for the elementary student. Teen book clubs are quite popular. Find out what your local library offers and take them up on their wealth of excellent, free programming.
Last, But Not Least...
Use the library's best resource - browse the books! Children in public schools often have the advantage of a school librarian who teaches how to use the library. Homeschooled children may miss out on formal teaching on how to use the library. Be sure to include the following:
- Teach the difference between fiction and non-fiction materials.
- Children should have a thorough understanding how to look up a book in the library, whether it is a file system or an online system. Practice each time you are at the library. Have your child look up a book, a series, an author, or a subject. Then, have them locate the book. Accompany younger children to make sure they know where to go. Have older children bring the book back to you, like a scavenger hunt.
- Find where the new books, award-winning books, and special displays are located.
- Ask your local children's librarian if they would be willing to offer a library skills session for homeschoolers.
