What’s in your wallet? 

If you don’t have a library card, this is your call to action.  Education is the intersection between curiosity and access to knowledge.  Every homeschool starts here, a library card and curiosity.  A world-class education awaits in the resources at your local library.

Self-directed learners are the inquisitive, the wondering, the seekers.  They are also called children.  Do you ever get those “Why” questions?  One after another, after another, after another?

This is a critical developmental step in childhood to wonder and seek.  Introducing a child to the power of reading and the library system is the second greatest educational gift you can give your child (and yourself).  The first is to read to your child.

Make an appointment today to acquire or dust off your library card.  Get to know your librarians, they are the greatest resource in the library (they’re teachers too).  I’ve received many calls or suggestions over the years on additional materials to expand our subject of study from our librarians.

Services a library offers to make your life easier include:

• Pickup Service.  Reserve books online, they are pulled and reserved for walk-in and pickup. 
• Multiple Library Access.  Public libraries have an inter-library loan program that delivers books multiple times a week from other libraries at the customer’s request.  This means that you have access to each library in your region without the drive. Just order online and pickup from the branch closest to you.
• Digital Resources.  Libraries offer digital services (like Hoopla) that have eBooks, audible books, music, television programs and movies for free, all you need is a library card and app! 
• Order Your Book.  What if the library doesn’t have the book you need?  Ask them to order it for you.  Many libraries have a budget set aside for customer requests. 
• Storytime. A great resource for parents on the weekdays or weekends to have your children enjoy several selections read aloud by the librarian, this time may also include a craft.  You meet like-minded parents and families and can build community.
• Children’s programs. Libraries offer reading challenges and prizes for children throughout the year.  Many libraries also offer programs for children to read-aloud to service dogs. 
• Non-book resources.  Libraries offer alternate learning options beyond books, there are educational toys, puzzles and other interactive activities in the children’s section.  Libraries offer educational backpacks, curriculum, or other learning bundles available to check-out, just ask.
• Build Home Library.  Libraries give books away for free or offer them for sale for a nominal fee.  This is an inexpensive way to grow your home library with excellent books.

Every homeschool starts here, the library. The next step is to grab some great book recommendations.  Hot tip: once you find a book your kids really enjoy, make a note of the author and illustrator and type in their names the next time you’re searching the library catalog.