Does the public library system still have value today? In this day and age, when information is at our finger tips, why does anyone still use the library? One of the most valuable resources I have as a homeschool mom is the public library system. Some of the reasons why it is so valuable to us might be a surprise to you however.
Free Books
The first and most obvious reason that the library is such a huge resource for us is the free books. I love to read, and one of my goals in homeschooling is to encourage a love of reading and learning in my children. What better way to do this than to surround them with the printed word. My mother had the habit of every holiday being an excuse to buy more books, we got them in our Easter baskets, we got a book bag from Santa along with our stockings each Christmas, there was always a book included in our birthday presents. I have replicated that as much as possible with our children as funds have allowed. They each have a huge number of books. One of the most painful parts of downsizing was going through our books and deciding what to keep, verses what to donate to the library.
As wonderful as it is to buy our children books, libraries are even more valuable. While I only buy books I'm nearly certain the kids will love, the library allows them to explore different genres and formats. I never would have bought them a graphic novel, but it turns out that several of the kids love them. It lets them try out unheard of authors and explore materials that I've not considered. In addition to the books they have access to, they can check out movies, magazines, video games, and learning software.
Internet
While we currently have internet at home, there have been times when we've not. Additionally, as we prepare to move into a camper, I'm sure there will be times and places where internet access is spotty. At the library, you can bring your own laptop or use their computer for the internet. We've seen people gaming, studying, researching materials, and applying to jobs. The kids mostly use the internet at the library for educational games, and to research books that they would like the librarians to find through interlibrary loan, or to buy and add to the library's collection. They have also used the library's internet to check in on emails and write blogs in the past.
Librarians
We have found the best resource of all at the library to be knowledgeable and kind librarians. We still have librarian friends from Pennsylvania who check in on the kids from time to time on Facebook, and we left there 8 years ago. Librarians can tell you anything about books: what's popular, what you should check out based on your likes and interests, how to find books. They can also help you research anything: using the internet, finding the right books, and who the best authorities are on a subject. But they are also the hub for finding out information about your locality: what homeschool groups are in the area, when and where to go for your driver's license, where the best restaurants area, and the ins and outs of the community. Furthermore, the very best librarians will grow to recognize you when you come in and make suggestions to you about something they thought you would like since your last visit.
Preschool Activities
Every library we have visited and made a part of our community over the last 10 or so years, has offered programs geared to preschool age kids, and again by and large they were free. Mommy and Me classes can quickly add up into the hundreds of dollars if you attend them each week, but the libraries story time is free. It gives you a chance to spend time with your little ones while they learn and grow. It also can be a place to meet other parents in your community. Library Storytime is more than just hearing a book read. They often use felt boards, puppet shows, and learning activities to engage your children. It was a wonderful part of our routine each week, especially when my three oldest were younger. Additionally, we have attended child and parent cooking classes, Lego club, Pokémon club, and countless other activities through our library. I only wish they offered more year round activities both after and during school hours during the school year for older kids.
Community
I have found that the library provides a sense of community for both kids and parents. When I was a young mom, there were other moms in the trenches. When the kids want someone to play chess there are other kids there. We have met some wonderful people who have turned into great friends through the library. We have also been connected with other homeschooling parents and groups when we've moved into a new area. Those various activities I mentioned before have given both me and the kids the chance to meet with other likeminded individuals and learn more while forging new friendships. People at the library seem to always be ready to share a recommendation and to have a conversation if that's what you are looking for, and when you just need a quiet corner to start a new book, they have those too.
In summary
In summary, if asked, "does the public library system still have value?" I would answer with a resounding yes. We have found the library to be indispensable to homeschooling and a great resource as we move from place to place. It's a resource that I can only see continuing to grow and play a large part in our success in homeschooling our children and adapting to new areas as we travel around the state and ultimately the country in our camper. Do you use public libraries?
If no, why not? Have you made the local library a part of your homeschool adventure? In what other ways have you found the library to be a key part of your life?
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