Welcome to the Library!
We look forward to serving you at the St. Charles Public Library. The Library plays a very important and active role in encouraging and developing an interest in lifelong literacy and learning through our collection of materials, assistance in Reference and Readers Services, and programs to stimulate reading. We offer a number of services to families who homeschool.
Orientation
Stop in at the Information Services Desk in Adult Services or the ASK ME Desk in Youth Services for a general tour and orientation of the Library and its programs.
Library News & Programs
The best sources for information about Library programs and activities are our newsletters and brochures:
- Discover Your Library! – our newsletter and schedule of programs for children, students, and adults mailed to homes.
- Bookworm News – Stop by the ASK ME Desk and we can add you to our mailing list.
- By the Way… – teen newsletter available on our web site and in The Loft.
Home School Workshop
An overview of the services and resources the Library provides for families that homeschool is held each August. The program includes: online resources, Internet access, Live Homework Help, research strategies, literature programs, and more. An open forum will provide an opportunity to network with other parents. Supervised activities for children are available during the program. (Check the calendar.)
Library Materials
Homeschooling materials can be found in the Library catalog under the subject headings listed below or by browsing these Dewey numbers on the shelves in Adult Services or in the Parent Collection in Youth Services:
Education—computer network resources 025.0637
Education—parent participation 372.21 649.1
Home schooling 371.042
Internet in education 025.0637 371.042 371.33 371.35
Mass media and children 302.23 305.23 649.5
Motivation in education 370.154 649.68
Study skills 371.3028
Reading – parent participation 372.4
Home Education Magazine found in Youth Services.
Videos of Interest:
Video 371.042 HOM Home Schooling: Is It For You?
Video 371.042 HOM Homeschooling for the 21st Century
Reference Collection:
J REF 026.64968 BRO A Guide to Homeschooling for Librarians. David C. Brostrom.
Includes lists of organizations and resources.
(Youth Services)
J REF 371.042 HOM Home Schooling Information compiled by Kane County Christian Home Schoolers
(Youth Services)
Research Guides
We have Research Guides on various topics, which include online resources and reference books that are always available in the Library. Research Guides are located at the Homework Center in Youth Services and the Homework Zone in Adult Services.
The Internet
There are many great homeschooling sites on the Internet. Access is provided for adults and registered high school students in the Adult Services Department. Youth Services offers access to students through grade 8, whose parents have reviewed our Internet policy and signed a permission form.
Some of the highlights include:
Online Database Resources
When you need to find information online, go a step beyond googling and take a look at the Premium Search (Databases) available on the Library’s web site. The Library subscribes to a number of online databases that contain articles, photographs, maps, and other kinds of information.
Access the online database resources from the Library’s homepage. Resources especially for students through grade 8 are accessed from the “Youth” drop down menu by selecting Reference and Homework Help. Additional resources are accessed from the “Reference & Research” menu then select Premium Search (Databases).
Examples:
- LearningExpress Library is a comprehensive, interactive online learning platform of practice tests and tutorial course series designed to help students succeed on the academic or licensing tests they must pass (e.g. the PSAT/NMSQT, GED, MCAT).
- World History - Covers civilizations and cultures of world history from prehistoric times through the modern era.
You will need to enter your St. Charles Library card number and PIN number to access these from home.
Premium Search (Databases) Orientation
Contact the Library at 630-584-9390 for information on scheduling an introduction for your family to these online resources. Learn what they are and see how they may be of use in your studies.
Web Sites:
A to Z Home’s Cool - Discusses various teaching methods and styles
Homeschool Central - Features a directory of regional resources
Homeschooling - Features timely articles and a list of resources
Homeschool World - Includes links to study materials, curricula, special education, and teaching aids
Illinois House - Network of homeschool support groups whose purpose is to
inform the homeschool community
InHome Conference - Information on the annual home school conference organized by Illinois’ Home Educators Conference Fund.
Johnsburg Public Library Homeschool Resource Center - Located about an hour away, the Johnsburg Public Library has a Homeschool Resource Center which offers curriculum materials, science equipment, math manipulatives, educational games and kits, software, and print materials that can be checked out with your St. Charles Library Card.
Jon’s Homeschool Resources -
A source of neutral, non-commercial homeschooling information
Love at Home - A site put together by a homeschooling family featuring ideas and activities to make homeschooling fun
National Home Education Network - A national volunteer organization that provides information to homeschoolers and makes it easier to network.
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