The public library system in our county is truly one of our best homeschool resources. Libraries offer so much more to the community than just books. The library truly has it all! Programs, learning tools, internet access, and quiet places to sit and work are just a few things they offer. Today, I’m sharing just a few ways we are using the library to homeschool!
Each of our kids is very proud to own their very own library card and a library bag that they can use to carry their materials. I made their bags using a Cricut machine and iron-on vinyl. We keep their library cards hooked onto the bags so they don’t get lost. The scanner reads right through the little plastic sleeves. We also decorate the bags with pins we get from different activities.
We return every few weeks to turn in our books and check out new ones. Once we get home, all the library books go into a basket in our living room. The kids are allowed to take one book at a time from the basket. This saves us from books disappearing when they’re due!
But checking out books is not all we do there! Our library has fun on-your-own activities like this look-and-find scene that changes periodically. My little ones love walking the ABC path and saying each letter they step on.
Recently, we’ve enjoyed some programs put on by our library. In December, we searched downtown St. George to find hidden elves with literary names and complete a scavenger hunt.
We completed our winter reading logs this year as well. The kids absolutely loved picking out prizes as we met each milestone on the logs. When we began the logs, we even got a brand new book for free! So, you can understand why we are excited to participate in the summer reading program.
I use the Libby app and my library card to check out e-books for free on my Kindle and in the Kindle app for iPhone. I can go back and forth between the same book on both devices. Because of this, I always have a book handy if I need one.
Libby has audiobooks too. I keep a list of the children’s books we can easily access if we’re going to be driving a long distance. We love to listen to audiobooks on the way to all of our weekly field trips!
Another county library system near us has partnered with the local county parks to offer story walks. We use our county park pass to enjoy these story walks when they’re changed throughout the year.
Our library offers so many things that enrich our homeschool experience. What are some ways you’re using the library to homeschool?
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