Top 10 AMAZING Homeschooling Resources At The Library!

HOW well do you know your library?

-If you’re not using your local library as one of your top Homeschooling resources, you’re missing out!!

-If you’re thinking that the library in your town doesn’t have much more than some dusty old books… you’re likely missing out!

-If you’re wondering what I’m talking about, KEEP READING!

 

*TOP 10 AMAZING Homeschooling Resources at the Library!*

 

Let’s jump in!
Not every library will have all of the resources in this list, but I think you might be shocked at what you will find in even the smallest library if you ASK! 

Below, I am going to not only give you the heads-up on some of the resources at your local library you might not know about, but I want to give you some examples of you can use them.  The easiest way I could think of was to choose a topic of study and give examples from that one theme all the way through this list.
I recently finished writing a history curriculum for a hybrid school on the Pioneers, similar to the Free Pioneer (AG Kirsten) Unit Study on Fields of Daisies, so since this is fresh in my mind, I’ll use it as our focus at the library.

If you’d like a quick set of Printable Library Lists for each member of your family to keep everyone’s library wish lists organized-  Heading to the Library Printables

 

#1- BOOKS… and… AUDIOBOOKS!

Wait!  Don’t stop reading!
Yes, I know this may seem like a “thank you Captain Obvious” kind of statement because we all know that libraries are FULL of books.  But I chose to put this in the #1 spot in the list because what you may not have considered is the extent of the books offered!  

THINK books for all ages and learning styles-
For example, if you are studying the Pioneers, grab picture books for the Littles, Prairie animal field guides and an Atlas full of maps for your visual learners, books on how to make and use a compass for your hands-on learners, historical fiction books to give this time period context, craft books with directions for sewing a Pioneer bonnet for your crafty kiddos, and even art books featuring the paintings and sketches of Lewis and Clark’s trip west!   And if you have auditory learners, or like to listen to books as a family or on a road trip, pretty much all libraries have an entire section of AUDIOBOOKS you can check out as well!
A quick search for “Pioneers” on your library’s website will turn up lots of suggestions if you don’t already know which book titles you’re looking for. 
Literally, you now have an entire curriculum from one trip to the library!

 

Here are some more ideas to get you started on topic-
  +Top 10 History Books For Kids   (BIG list that is well organized- way more than 10!!!)
+Top 10 History AUDIOBOOKS For Kids   (Again a giant list of suggestions!)
  +GIANT List of History Audiobooks For Kids and Families
  +American Girl History Units Book Lists

  +Ancient World History Curriculum Book Lists:
     –Ancient Civilizations & the Old Testament
     –Ancient Egypt
     –Ancient Greece
     –Ancient Rome
–The Middle Ages & The Renaissance
     –Early American History
     –Modern American History

 

#2-  LoTs (Library of Things)

THINK all the extras that you wish you had the money to buy, but don’t!
Did you know that many libraries have what is called “LoTs”?   And that is a perfect name for what they are offering, because it is A LOT!

Here are a few of the resources that my local library has:
  +American Girl Doll Trunks  (and other history trunks!)
     -If you think your library would never have this, you might be as surprised as I was that
      this is actually even offered in my very rural hometown NC library !!
  +STEM Kits
     -Building materials for making Pioneer cabins or Native American tepees
  +Science Tools  (microscopes, things for chemistry experiments, etc…)
     -Examining wildflowers under a microscope
  +Hand Tools
     -Try building a replica covered wagon!
  +Gardening Tools  
     -Try the 3 Sisters method of planting corn and see what grows!
  +Small Kitchen Appliances  (stand mixers, blenders, etc…)-
     -Whip up a batch of homemade butter from cream, and a loaf of bread!
  +Art Supplies
     -Try painting a prairie scene using perspective.

 

 

#3- Movies

THINK cozy educational (or not) movie and popcorn afternoons as a Friday reward!

Once again, a quick search by topic in your library’s menu should turn up all kinds of ideas.  Our library has a huge selection of documentaries, tutorials, animated movies, and of course “regular” movies too. 
If you are using the FREE American Girl History Units or FREE Ancient World History Curriculum, I have related movies listed for each one of the studies in the Book Lists that are listed in #1 above!  These lists will give you a place to start in your library search!!
And if you’re just looking for some old time family friendly DVD’s, there are usually TONS of them!  If you tossed your old DVD player a long time ago, check out your local Good Will or consignment store and grab one.  It is refreshing to watch an entire movie, commercial free ;D

+Top 10 History Movies For Kids   (another post with WAY more than 10 movies!)

#4-  Magazines

THINK bright glossy photos and bite sized information that get kids curious to learn more!
People just like magazines.  Old people, little kids, teens, and every age in between.
However… subscriptions to magazines can be an expense that you might be able to scratch off if you find that your library has a decent selection. 
Some of our favorites have been Answers Magazine/Kid Answers Magazine, Time Kids, Kids Discover (great history focus!), Highlights, National Geographic Kids, Ranger Rick, World, etc.  

 

#5-Games

THINK a new game to try EVERY WEEK!
Problem-solving, critical thinking skills, and FUN!  Our library has board games, card games, and puzzles too.   If you are looking specifically for some history focused games… yeah I wrote a post about my favorites too.

  +Top 10 History Games   (once again way more than 10 in the list!)

 

#6- Classes

THINK all of those lessons you wish you could sign your kids up for!
So this could be a little less exciting because you the library won’t always be offering a class at the time your child is interested in a topic, but it is an option to consider and keep an eye on! 
This month alone our library has:  Chess classes, Writing classes, Craft classes, Teen art classes, Sewing classes, SEO classes, and a STEM night.
If you are a little creative, you could also tie a class or two to our theme!
For example, sign up for the sewing class!  The Pioneer women held sewing bees and came together to do their sewing.  After the class, choose a small sewing project that is related, such as sewing an apron from a dish towel!

ALSO consider teaching a class in one of the rooms available to reserve at the library!
If you can’t find a class you want, consider hosting an informal (or formal!) one with some other homeschooling friends.  In keeping with our theme, you could host a Pioneer Kids book club, or craft class, or STEM class!

#7- Story Times

THINK instilling a love for books in your kids and teaching them to be at home at the library!

Start them young!  Story Time can be a great way to just sit back with your Littles and ENJOY someone else reading them a good book!  After Story Time is over the reward is being able to go pick out a few new books of their own to take home!
We frequently packed a lunch and had a picnic at the nearby park afterward with some of the other families we met at the library!

 

#8-  Musical Instruments

THINK saving yourself from having to buy a different musical instrument for your budding musician to try every month!

This is something that my library did not have (at least I don’t think they did!) when my kids were young.  I sure wish they had!  Our local library in Texas doesn’t loan musical instruments, but they do have music classes that provide a variety of instruments to try out and learn to play!  I did find quite a few libraries that do loan instruments though.  There doesn’t seem to be a pattern of larger city libraries having more options though, so if you are interested, ASK!

#9- Toys

 

THINK a rotating box of new toys for the week for your Littles to explore while you do math with your older children!  😀

I love this idea!  Discovery/Montessori type toys are so good, but can be really expensive.  Even less expensive plastic toys that are NEW to your Littles are a super resource if you’re trying to keep them occupied for a bit with something educational (and safe!) while you’re teaching your other children.

 

#10- Apps and Online Library

 

 

THINK you don’t have to leave your house to have access to a HUGE database of educational resources!

This is a paid optional add-on to the standard library card at my library, but it may be worth it!  The upgrade allows full online access to many educational websites (ex. BrainPop and TumbleBooks), encyclopedias (ex.Britannica) learning games and tools (ex. Quizlet, Khan Academy), tutoring (ex. tutor.com), eBooks and eMovies (ex. Hoopla), exam prep, writing help, eMagazines (ex. Time for Kids, National Geo)

 

#11- BONUS!

Some libraries also have a snack area… our new library has a cafe, FANCY!
Make your library trips a date on the calendar that your whole family will love!

ENJOY the time you have to make a whole afternoon, or even a whole day of it.
I think you will find that there is A LOT to be discovered at the library!

If you liked this TOP 10 LIST, check out some of the others~

+Top 10 History PODCASTS
+Top 10 History SONGS
+Top 10 History TIMELINES
+Top 10 History AUDIOBOOKS
+Top 10 History MOVIES
+Top 10 History BOOKS  (This is the ULTIMATE History Book List!)
+Top 10 History GAMES
+Top 10 History HANDS-ON
+Top 10 History PRINTABLES
+Top 10 History FIELD TRIPS

And a bonus…
+Top 10 History for the HOLIDAYS
+Top 10 AMAZING Homeschooling Resources At The Library