Unlock Hidden Treasures in the Public Library: A Homeschool Parent’s Guide
Beyond Books: How to Use Your Local Library for Free Learning Resources
As a homeschooling mom, our local library is one of my greatest allies. (And I am sure it’s yours too!) It’s been our quiet refuge on rainy days, the place where we find just the right read-aloud for our next family adventure, and a perfect spot for finding educational movies.
Most of us homeschoolers know that the library is a goldmine for free resources. However, many don’t realize how quickly libraries are expanding their offerings. From creative equipment loans to tech labs and educational programs, libraries are evolving into full-scale learning hubs. They’re here to support us!
If you haven’t browsed beyond the bookshelves lately, it’s time to take another look. Libraries across the country are quietly offering services that go far beyond lending books. Plus, many of these resources are completely free to cardholders. Whether you’re teaching science, history, art, or just looking to inject some fun and variety into your homeschool routine, your local library may have more to offer than you ever imagined.
1. Borrowing Gadgets and Gizmos
Libraries are no longer just about books (though we still love them!). In fact, many libraries offer amazing “Library of Things” programs where you can borrow all sorts of cool stuff to bring learning to life at home.
How about borrowing a GoPro to film your next science experiment or nature walk? Or renting a projector to turn your living room into a movie theater for an educational film night? Don’t forget about tools like Cricut machines, which are perfect for DIY projects or exploring digital design.
These resources can transform everyday lessons into hands-on, creative experiences. Call me old school, but puzzles and audiobooks are still my favorites to borrow. If you have youngsters at your feet as you homeschool, don’t forget that puzzles and board games can keep them engaged and learning during formal lessons with your older children.
2. Academic Support and Digital Learning: Anytime, Anywhere
Need a little extra support? Here’s your reminder that you don’t need to teach your child every subject personally. Learning from or getting extra help from someone else can be a blessing! Thankfully, many libraries offer access to live tutoring and academic resources. These can fill in the gaps, especially for high school-level work. Services like Brainfuse provide live help in core subjects, writing labs, and even test prep. Plus, some libraries host tutoring sessions with high school volunteers, so your child gets peer support, which can be a great learning dynamic.
In addition to live help, libraries also provide a wide variety of online platforms that homeschoolers can use to enrich their learning whenever it’s convenient. Educational streaming videos, guided art classes, and interactive subject tutorials are just a few examples of the digital tools available, perfect for visual or auditory learners. Moreover, these resources are available 24/7, making it easy to fit them into your homeschool day—no matter your schedule.
3. Language Learning Resources
If you’re trying to add a second language to your homeschool curriculum, your library is a wonderful resource. Many libraries offer top-notch language learning programs that make acquiring a new language fun and accessible. Whether you’re learning Spanish, French, or even something more unique like Mandarin, these platforms offer interactive lessons that can fit perfectly into your homeschool day. Additionally, some programs include engaging games and videos for younger learners—keeping them interested and excited about their language journey.
4. 3D Printing: Bringing Ideas to Life
Without a doubt, this is my eight-year-old son’s favorite library feature! STEM learning comes alive with 3D printing. Libraries like ours offer access to 3D printers. Imagine your child designing and printing models for a science project or engineering their own creations as part of a geometry lesson. Libraries that provide training and support on how to use 3D printers make it accessible to beginners. Furthermore, it’s an exciting way to introduce hands-on learning for kids who love to build and explore!
5. Museum Passes: Explore Local Attractions
Homeschooling allows me to make every day a field trip for my children. However, the cost of adventures can add up. Many libraries offer free or discounted museum passes, giving you access to everything from science centers and planetariums to art galleries and historical sites. These field trips are a perfect way to reinforce what your child is learning at home and deepen their connection with the world around them. A trip to a museum isn’t just a break from routine; it’s a way to spark curiosity and excitement about what your child is discovering. This spring, we visited a local planetarium, museum, and animal preserve, all for free, thanks to our library passes.
6. Events and Workshops: Engaging the Community
One of the best parts about homeschooling is the sense of community we can build, whether that’s through co-ops, field trips, or local events. Libraries often host fantastic hands-on workshops, storytimes, STEM labs, and special interest clubs that homeschoolers can join. For example, our library offers coding classes for younger kids, along with chess meetups and lessons. These are wonderful ways my children can interact with other kids in our town, try out new hobbies, and even explore possible career paths. Your older students can find college prep sessions, resume workshops, or writing seminars to help them prepare for the future.
7. Digital Archives: Access to Historical Documents
Research projects can come to life with the help of digital archives. Many libraries offer free access to historical documents, newspapers, and photographs that will enrich your history studies. Imagine the excitement your middle or high schooler will have when they can dive into original sources for their research papers or analyze photos from past eras. These tools help bring the past to life, and they’re an invaluable asset for learning about history in a way that’s personal and engaging.
Your Library: A Homeschooler’s Best Friend
Ultimately, homeschooling is all about flexibility, creativity, and connection. And your library is one of the best places to support all three! As more libraries expand into tech, arts, and hands-on learning, families like ours can take full advantage of these incredible (and often free) resources. You don’t need to invest in every tool or curriculum out there—your library is likely already stocked with everything you need to explore deeply and teach widely.
So, next time you visit, ask your librarian what’s new, or better yet, browse your library’s “services” or “resources” section online before you go. You might be surprised to find that everything from a GoPro to a 3D printer to discounted museum trips is just a library card away.
What are your thoughts on this topic? To share your tips, experiences, and questions, you can join me and other homeschoolers in the Homeschool Connections Facebook Group. I would love to hear from you!
