Homeschool Library Resources for Teens and Why They Love It
If you are looking for free homeschool library resources for teens, the library should be at the top of your list.
When my son was a baby, he was very active. He was curious about everything and needed to check out, poke, pick up, and attempt to eat almost everything he came into contact with. He was exhausting.
So much so that when he got chickenpox, and people told me he’d slow down, I was excited. This new mom looked forward to a sleepy, slower-moving child.
Needless to say, it was a lie. He wasn’t tired and absolutely did not slow down one tiny bit.
So what did I do with this crazy bundle of joy?
I took him to the library. A lot.
And years later, my teenagers were still going. Here’s why.
Why You Should Take Your Homeschool Kids to the Library
Yeah, I am the crazy new mom, who was also 6 months pregnant, who took her energetic 18-month-old, who never stops talking, to the library. You call me crazy? Maybe!
The library was a 20-30 minute walk from my house. Being stuck in the house with a child who never stopped moving was driving me crazy. So at my mom’s suggestion, I buckled my crazy kiddo into a stroller and walked to the library.
The library was the perfect place for my son. And later for his creative sister.
Because I took them at a young age, my children have developed a love of books, learning, and exploring.
The library is one of the few places left that encourages all of us, including small children and teenagers, to ASK questions and look for answers. You can get one-on-one help with any topic you wish.
Libraries are the backbone of our communities.
How Much Libraries Have Changed (It Might Surprise You)
Libraries have come a long way from the quiet, hush-or-else buildings some of us grew up in.
If you are in a state with charter school funding, you may even have access to a district library specifically for homeschool students. Think of it like a school library built just for kids learning at home, stocked with materials purchased through school funds. Not every state has this, but if yours does, it is worth looking into.
Even public libraries have gotten seriously cool in some areas. A neighboring county to us has a library where you can borrow seeds for your garden, along with audiobooks, movies, and video games. Yes, really.
Our own public library is not quite at that level, but it still offers puzzles, games, movies, audiobooks, and regular events throughout the year. Free resources that are genuinely useful and that my kids actually wanted to use.
The point is, before you assume you know what your library has, it is worth a fresh look. Free homeschool library resources for teens have expanded a lot, and what was there five years ago may not be what is there today.
What My Teenagers Actually Did at the Library
From the moment I walked in, I remembered all the things I love about the library. The library has changed from the stuffy, quiet place it used to be. My teenagers love that there is so much to do at the library!
It is home to so many events, groups, and training. (Teen-based ones are bolded)
Events such as the following:
- Preschool Storytime
- Lego’s build and create
- ABC’s for Baby (0-18 months)
- Knitting and Crochet group
- Tween Scene (craft and create)
- Young Readers Club (A teen favorite)
- Toddle Time
- Book Club
- STEAM KIDS
Training such as:
- How to use a computer
- How to use a word program
- Introduction to Email
- How to do a Job Search
Did You Know Your Library May Have
- Free wifi
- Movies and audiobooks to borrow
- Video games (some libraries lend these now)
- Puzzles and board games
- Seeds for your garden (some areas)
- 3D printing access
- Coloring pages and crafts available on-site
- A district library option if you are in a charter school state
Don’t forget to check what your specific library has. Many libraries have updated their offerings significantly in the last few years, and you may be surprised at what is available for free.
Why I Love the Library as a Working Homeschool Mom
However, it isn’t just the kids that love the library, I love the library too!
I love that the library has been key in developing a love of reading in my teens!
I love that I can go online and reserve some of my favorite books. If the local library doesn’t have it, I can check other nearby libraries, and they will send it to whichever library I choose.
After a long day at work, I can run in, and they have the books I wanted ready to go. I can be in and out in 5 minutes. Did I mention they will also mail them to my door if I don’t have access to a car? How awesome is that?!
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On a day off, I can come in and take my time. They have activities such as a book walk, which is one of my favorites. This is where they take a story, and you literally follow the footsteps around the library, taking you to different spots where they have a part of the featured story. The last one I saw was The Paper Bag Princess.
By Robert Munsch The Paper Bag Princess (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition) (Munsch for Kids)
The Paper Bag Princess Tote BagThe Paper Bag Princess Early Reader: (Munsch Early Reader) (Munsch Early Readers)
It was my featured post on Instagram as you can see here:
The children can play board games, check out the fish, and more. There is free wifi, tables, and chairs outside to sit in the sun, coloring pages available, crafts to do, 3-D printing, and more.
The Part I Love Most as a Mom
My children love the library.
Not only the chatterbox that never stops talking, not even in his sleep, but also his baby sister.
I love how comfortable the children are and how amazingly helpful the librarians are. They ask about our school day, knowing we homeschool. They suggest books based on what we are learning or something they think the kids or I will like. They point out reading challenges, scavenger hunts coming up, or crafts and events they think might interest my bookworms.
To me, not only is the library a door to so many different worlds, so many adventures, so much to learn, but it is also a community of its own. The library was key in keeping reading fun for my kids.
And my absolute favorite…they know my teenagers by name 🙂
H2: Frequently Asked Questions About the Library and Homeschooling
Is the library a good homeschool resource for teenagers?
Yes. Libraries offer far more than books for homeschool teens. Many libraries have events, tech training, audiobooks, movies, and even video games available for free. Some areas also have access to district library programs specifically for charter school students.
What can teenagers do at the library for homeschool?
Teenagers can use the library for reading and research, attend events like STEAM programs or book clubs, access free computer and job skill training, borrow movies and audiobooks, and get one-on-one help from librarians who are genuinely happy to assist.
Are public libraries free for homeschool families?
Yes, public library cards and most library programs are free. The library is one of the most underused free resources available to homeschool families. A library card can open up access to ebooks, audiobooks, events, and in-person help at no cost.
Do libraries have resources specifically for homeschoolers?
Some do. Depending on your state and school funding model, you may have access to a district library designed for homeschool students. Even standard public libraries often have librarians who are happy to work with homeschool families and suggest materials based on what your kids are studying.
Do your kids love the library? What is the best part?
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Jen Mackinnon is a working homeschool mom and time management strategist who’s been juggling careers, kids, and homeschooling for 14+ years. She specializes in helping busy moms find simple, meaningful ways to celebrate milestones without adding stress to their schedules. On this blog, she shares practical systems and real-life strategies for working homeschool families.You are warmly invited to join the Online Community Here!
