Helping Homeschoolers
Public libraries are a natural resource for homeschooling families: library staff expertise, spaces, collections, and programs are a critical component of effective homeschooling. But what are promising practices to reach and serve these families? Engage in this interactive webinar to explore this topic through examples from the Pikes Peak Library District in Colorado—a leader in these services—and discussion with colleagues across the country. We’ll look at homeschooling statistics—the ‘why’ of this topic—plus the needs of homeschooling families and how to meet those needs most effectively without duplicating other services available in your community. We’ll also explore how to promote these services to homeschooling families and actively engage them at the library. Come to this free session with your experiences, challenges, questions, and ideas to share.
Resources:
- Session Slides (PDF)
- Pikes Peak Homeschool Hub
- Libraries Supporting Homeschoolers Wiki – Click on Request Access button
- Library Service to Special Population Children and their Caregivers (PDF) – ALA Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC)
Facilitators: Beth Crist, Gail Sohns and Jessica Freeland
Beth Crist, Youth & Family Services Consultant at the Colorado State Library, is an advocate for the natural fit of public library services to homeschooling families, and loves to learn about the many creative ways that library staff around the country support homeschooling in their communities.
Gail Sohns grew up in Maryland and earned her MLS from Catholic University of America in Washington, D. C. in 1976. She’s lived in Colorado for 38 years. Gail is a Children’s Librarian for the Pikes Peak Library District and has been involved with the Homeschool Committee for the past eight years.
Jessica Freeland is a native Coloradoan with a degree in psychology from Colorado State. She is currently a Children’s Specialist for Pikes Peak Library District at the Fountain Community Library in Fountain, Colorado. Jessica ran an educational Homeschool Lunch Bunch program for PPLD patrons for six years.