Homeschooling on a budget is a topic I'm going to be exploring for the next year. One of my favorite places to visit is the library. I sometimes go just to be with the books. Really. I know my librarians by name, and they know me. What I did not realize until I started homeschooling was how the library truly is one of the most money saving places for home educators. I wanted to share some things I have learned from the library.
I think if there is one area where home educators can say they really spend money is books. Let's be honest, most of us could be in a 12 step group for book addicts. . . Hello my name is Becky Boerner and I love to buy books. . . . Getting books from the library can be a huge money saver. Here are some ways I use the library.
1. Most libraries offer an educator card for home educators. What does this mean? Where I live in Hamilton County it means that my lovely librarians renew my books for me, there are no fines, and I can lose 3-4 books each year and not be charged for them! This saves me so much time and money each year. (Of course my children do not loose the wonderful physics books or history books they check out. They always loose something quality like "Pinaklicious Bad Hair Day". . . but I digress.)
2. As a resident of Ohio you can get a library card at any library in the state of Ohio if you show residency. You can visit any library in the state and check out books!
3. The single best thing about Ohio libraries in my opinion is SearchOhio. With SearchOhio you can search for a book at any library in the state of Ohio. If your library is a SearchOhio member you can order it and pick it up at your library. This service is free at my library. I am guessing it is at yours as well. I have ordered so many books this way, and they even come within a week. (I am beginning to wonder if I have an affinity for the people of Akron as many of the books I want are there)
4. The other amazing thing about the library is that you can request a book, and they will often buy it. I have requested over 81 digital titles in the last few years and they have purchased 79. What a huge savings for our family! My understanding is they are able to buy books year round, so request away!
I would love to hear any library tips that you have. Please add them to the comments.
And. . . see you at the library!
