HOMESCHOOLING AND THE PUBLIC LIBRARY

By Anne McLaughlin, Head of Children’s Services

West Warwick Public Library

The public library is often called the “people’s university” because

anyone can make the most of a vast array of books, magazines, newspapers, and other materials, in quest of knowledge and learning. For students, the public library is an established resource in providing materials that support their studies in public and private schools. During the hours when most school-age students are in school, it is not unusual to see children who are home schooled doing research and locating materials at the local public library because it is such a vital part of their unique educational experience. One home schooling website has the motto “the world is our classroom” and for home schoolers the public library is one part of that classroom.

The number of families choosing to educate their children at home

instead of send them to public or private schools has risen dramatically in recent years. In the United States it is estimated that there may be as many as one million students who are home schooled. In Rhode Island there are several hundred families who have chosen home schooling over traditional schools. Families who choose to home school in Rhode Island are legally able to do so and must learn what the local school system requires as far as adhering to state education laws such as incorporating certain subjects into the education plan.

Public libraries offer a variety of home schooling materials that can provide helpful information on how to get started as well as books that have a specific religious or philosophical points of view. Recommended general titles include Family matters: Why Home Schooling Makes Sense by David Guterson; Teach Your Own by John Holt; The Educated Child by William Bennett; Home Learning Year by Year by Patricia Rupp; Big Book of Home Learning by Mary Pride; Complete Guide to Home Schooling by John and Kathy Perry; and Home School Source Book by Donn Reed. Books on education theory and practice, child development, and curriculum support materials can also be found in public libraries.

There are home school organizations in Rhode Island that provide support and enrichment opportunities such as field trips, clubs, etc. Some are listed on A to Z Home’s Cool web site (www.gomilpitas.com/homeschooling/regional/RhodeIsland.htm)

including the web site for the Rhode Island Guild of Home Teachers (R.I.G.H.T.)

(http://members.tripod.com/righthome/)

There are a multitude of web sites about home schooling. Some of the

best ones to start with are: National Home Education Network (www.nhen.org/)

ERIC (www.askeric.org/Resources/Family_Life/Home_Schooling.html)

Homeschool Central (www.homeschoolcentral.com/)

Homeschool World (www.home-school.com)

Homeschool Zone (www.homeschoolzone.com/main.htm)

Home School Legal Defense Association (www.hslda.org/)

Periodicals such as Home Education Magazine and Growing Without School are available in public libraries and on-line. Check out these websites:

Homefires (www.home-ed-magazine.com/)

Homeschool Education Magazine (www.home-ed-magazine.com/)

Homeschooling Today (www.adservices.net/helper.htm)

Home schoolers use the public library extensively because it provides a

rich array of books and materials impossible to duplicate in a home library or even obtain from the local bookstore. Materials available in Rhode Island libraries are a keystroke away on a home computer through the Cooperating Library Automated Network at www.clan.lib.ri.us/. Materials can be requested from libraries throughout the state to be sent to the local library for pick up.

What else do public libraries offer home school families? Tours or instructional classes for groups can be arranged, and often there is a meeting space groups can schedule to use. Libraries throughout Rhode Island offer a variety of free entertaining and informative cultural programs such as music and theatre programs, classes, lectures, and art exhibits. There are programs home school children and teenagers can participate in, including the statewide summer reading program and voting for the Rhode Island Children’s Book Award and the Teen Book Award. The West Warwick Public Library has benefited from home-schooled teenage volunteers who help out with storytimes and other programs. Home schoolers are great library advocates and libraries nation wide are responding positively to their needs and expectations as part of the overall mission to provide information services to everyone in the community.

April 13, 2002