How to Use Techie Homeschool Resources at Your Library

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Welcome to the #TechieHomeschool IRL blog series!  In this post, my guest Melissa shares all the techie resources available at your local library, and how to use them in your homeschooling.

When I was a young girl and I went to my local library, I was mainly looking for one thing – books. I would check them out by the dozens, loading up my backpack to stock up before the next time I would return. 

As I grew older, I started to realize just how many different things libraries offered. Not only are there books, but there were also programs, volunteer opportunities, and as technology grew, so did the tech resources that libraries began to offer. 

Now, I want to be clear right off the bat that not every library offers the same resources. But that, my friends, is my favorite part of libraries! Every one is unique, with their own character and style. Some of the resources I mention here might not be available at your library – so you’ll have to be flexible – and check out the end for tips on finding out what your unique library has. 

Techie Checkouts 

More than anything at the library, I check out books! But, there is so much more to libraries than books these days.

For example, earlier this week I was able to check out a completely self-contained video player that runs on a rechargeable battery and has 4 short self-contained videos on it. I’ve checked these out before and our library has both fiction and non-fiction players available. 

Some libraries also have devices called playaways. This is basically an MP3 player that contains one book. It’s a great option for audiobooks for kids who could handle a handheld device, but aren’t yet ready for all that comes with a handheld device! They usually require you to supply your own earphones, but otherwise, everything you need is included.

Another similar device some libraries have is Wonderbooks. Do you remember books where you could press a button and it would make a sound? A Wonderbook is a fancy version of that – a full text book you can look at that contains an audiobook that the book can read to you! These are awesome for learning readers. 

Some libraries also have other unique tech items to check out like 

• Video Games
• Coding Kits
• Hot spots (portable internet for use with your devices
• Laptops and Chromebooks 

So the next time you’re at your library, browse the shelves for unexpected tech options! 

Makerspaces 

As libraries work to adapt to what people in the 21st Century need, more and more libraries are adding makerspaces to their libraries. 

What is a makerspace? A makerspace is a place where people can come to work together on projects, often with access to equipment that they may not have access to at home. 

Library makerspaces may have equipment like video recording equipment, audio recording equipment, 3-D printers, and so much more! 

As your children get older, they may develop specific techie interests. They may want to record a video with a green screen, but you don’t have one. Your library might though! Libraries can be a great way to find techie equipment to use on a budget. 

If your library has a makerspace, find out the procedures for how it works. Does it have certain hours? Does it run by appointment? Can an older teenager go alone or do they need to be accompanied by a guardian? Finding out the policies and procedures will help you to take advantage of using this space! 

Digital Resources 

Libraries also often have a ton of resources that you can access right from your own home, without ever setting foot in the library! 

Libby and Hoopla are two popular digital resources that libraries often use. Both of these allow you to digitally check out e-books, audiobooks, and magazines. In addition to those, Hoopla also allows you to check out music and movies. Through Hoopla at my library, I’ve also been able to access The Great Courses! 

One thing I love searching for on these apps is read alongs! These are a combination audiobook and e-book and they show the words and pictures as the book is being read aloud. This is great for your kids who are learning to read! 

Some other digital resources libraries may have include

• Movie and documentary streaming services
• Online tutoring – great for a kid who might need someone to explain something in a different way! 
• Language learning subscriptions
• Access to databases to research 

Your library website might have an area to explore these and they may even have a page just for kid resources! 

So what does my library have? 

Since every library has different resources, your library isn’t likely to have all these resources. On the flip side, your library might have resources I haven’t even mentioned. So how can you figure out what your library has?

Check out your library’s website

If your library has a website, you can check it out for information on their techie options. Spending 10-15 minutes just poking around the website can tell you a lot of information.

Also, keep your eyes open for programs about technology. Sometimes libraries will have programs or events set up where they walk you through how to use some of the library’s technology. 

Check with the librarians

Ask your librarians! They are there to be resources too you and most of them love explaining the various options they have available.

Not sure what to ask? Start by asking what online resources they have that you can access from home. You could also ask if they have any special collections – this is how you could learn about tech devices you can check out. 

Check nearby libraries

Oftentimes, libraries will be in an agreement with other libraries. For example, where I live, all the libraries in the county are connected. This gives me access to nearly 30 different libraries!

Sometimes libraries will have things that can only be accessed by people who live in those communities – but many libraries will open their items to everyone in their connected library system. You may have to drive to the location to check it out and return it, but you can always call the library and ask. 

Books will always be an important part of the library for me, but I hope you’ve seen from this post that books are only one resource that many libraries offer. Your library can support your techie homeschool – you just have to find out how!

Techie Homeschool in Real Life Series

This post is part of the Techie Homeschool in Real Life blog series. If you are looking to increase your homeschool tech knowledge, you won't want to miss any of the guest posts! Learn more about the series and read all of the other posts included here.

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