Homeschooling on the Cheap Part 5: Public Library

I find it hard to find a place to start explaining all the wonderful reasons that I love my library.  I'll do this in list form:

1.  Free Books
There are so many books that can be borrowed from the library.  They allow you to borrow them for 3 weeks which is a pretty good bit of time.  Need them for longer?  You can renew them as long as they are not on hold for someone else.  Which brings me to point #2.

2.  Holds
You can use the library website to place holds on books that you may want to use for upcoming lessons.  All you need to do is go to their website, log in with your library card number and search for the book you would like to borrow.  Click on "place hold" and that's it.  When it is ready for pick-up, you will get an e-mail and then you just go get it.

3.  Drive-through
That's right!  My library has a drive-through.  When you are notified that your book is on hold, you just drive up to the window, hand them your card, and they hand you the book!  Saves me so much time from having to get 3 kids out to go in to check out a book.

4.  Request an item they don't have.
When you search for a book and the library doesn't have it, you can request that they get it.  Pretty awesome!  I do this all the time.  Most of the time, they are able to get the book I request (even new releases!).  This is probably my favorite feature.

5. TumbleBooks
These are videos of books being read with the illustrations from the actual books.  Pretty fun for kids!

6.  There is a whole list of "free stuff" on the library's website.  These include ebooks (some of which can be read directly on their website), ancestry info, magazines and so much more!  Check out your library's website for sure!

7.  Tons of free activities
Our libraries host so many free activities for kids, teens and adults.  We have been enjoying "Homeschool Hangout" at one of our libraries.  This is a 2 1/2 hour time slot where the children's librarian sets up learning stations for homeschoolers.  Last month was Chemistry.  This month will be Geology - so fun!  Don't forget out the summer reading program where you can even win prizes!

I hope this gives you just a glimpse into how the library can help your homeschooling journey.  Connect with your library and check out all the things available for free!