Using Your Local Library

Maybe there are a few other necessities (pencils, paper), but there is much truth to this statement.  When homeschooling, perhaps the single most important investment is not the perfect curriculum, but a library card!  Generally, library cards are free in the town where you reside.  Neighboring towns offer them to non-residents for an annual fee.  Some libraries give free cards to educators.  

Public libraries are so much more than books.  They provide a wonderful way to connect with your community.  Most libraries have a full calendar of events that includes lectures, classes, clubs and story times.  Many offer discounted admission passes to a variety of local and regional museums, too.  A visit to your local library should be the very first stop as you begin your homeschooling journey!

Below, you will find articles about how to use your local library as you homeschool, as well as information on HOME's Library Skills unit study!

Every student must know how to make use of their local library and its support systems.  Libraries and librarians can assist students in developing the skills needed to do research for reports, essays and curriculum projects.  These skills will be important for completing coursework in many subject areas throughout your student's academic career. 

Covering Library Skills is a yearly requirement for homeschooling families in Maine.  HOME developed a unit study to help families with this task.  

ORDER A LIBRARY SKILLS UNIT STUDY NOW! 

This unit study can be used once, or over and over, depending on the age and ability level of the student.  It can be used by itself, or as an addition to other resources.  It is designed to be flexible, and to help families get started in developing skills in their students that will foster a life-long love of libraries and learning. 

All of HOME's unit studies incorporate library skills, so be sure to incorporate more of these in your curriculum! 

Many Maine libraries post their upcoming events on HOME's event calendar. Be sure to check often for opportunities near you!

Using Your Local Library by Rebecca Keliher

A Few Good Books:  How Libraries Make Life Long Learners by Sarah Clarkson

Libraries and Homeschools:  The Perfect Partnership by Sharon B. Fields 

The Importance of Story Time  by Barbara Reyhmeyer