Considering bringing your home schoolers to the library? Here are some tips...
1. Call ahead. Of course, you are welcome at the library at any time, but you may want to schedule a special session in advance (i.e. library tour, tutorial on using the library catalog, database demonstration, help on researching a specific project). Call your local library and ask to speak with the Children's or Teen Librarian. Be prepared to tell the Librarian approximately how many kids and adults will be coming (no group is too small!), and what you would like them to talk about. Most libraries need two to three weeks lead time to serve you best.
2. Have a topic in mind. It's always easier to engage kids if there is something that is relevant or interesting to them. Try for a topic that ties in with what you are studying at home: a genre of fiction, a project, an upcoming field trip, etc. Or consider put together a scavenger hunt.
3. Round up the library cards. We can look up your library account at your local branch using your name and identifying information, however, this wastes precious time. If you need to sign up for a library card or get a replacement card consider doing this before your visit.
4. Before your visit, discuss library behavior and appropriateness. Although, shhhh-ing librarians are largely a thing of the past, we still appreciate an "indoor voice" and, of course, no running, horseplay or activity that inhibits the enjoyment of the library by others. Another thing to discuss with your home schoolers before you come, is how to select appropriate materials. The public library has materials for everyone and we can't censor that information. Consider setting up your own policy based on your unique family values. We strongly encourage you to be actively involved in helping your child or teen select appropriate materials! We can help by providing booklists and reader's advisory tools, but ultimately only the parent can determine the appropriateness of an item.
We look forward to seeing you and your home schoolers at the library!!
1. Call ahead. Of course, you are welcome at the library at any time, but you may want to schedule a special session in advance (i.e. library tour, tutorial on using the library catalog, database demonstration, help on researching a specific project). Call your local library and ask to speak with the Children's or Teen Librarian. Be prepared to tell the Librarian approximately how many kids and adults will be coming (no group is too small!), and what you would like them to talk about. Most libraries need two to three weeks lead time to serve you best.
2. Have a topic in mind. It's always easier to engage kids if there is something that is relevant or interesting to them. Try for a topic that ties in with what you are studying at home: a genre of fiction, a project, an upcoming field trip, etc. Or consider put together a scavenger hunt.
3. Round up the library cards. We can look up your library account at your local branch using your name and identifying information, however, this wastes precious time. If you need to sign up for a library card or get a replacement card consider doing this before your visit.
4. Before your visit, discuss library behavior and appropriateness. Although, shhhh-ing librarians are largely a thing of the past, we still appreciate an "indoor voice" and, of course, no running, horseplay or activity that inhibits the enjoyment of the library by others. Another thing to discuss with your home schoolers before you come, is how to select appropriate materials. The public library has materials for everyone and we can't censor that information. Consider setting up your own policy based on your unique family values. We strongly encourage you to be actively involved in helping your child or teen select appropriate materials! We can help by providing booklists and reader's advisory tools, but ultimately only the parent can determine the appropriateness of an item.
We look forward to seeing you and your home schoolers at the library!!
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