5 Ways to Explore Local Libraries

Go Beyond Just Checking Out Books

1. Plan a Quest to Visit Them All!

We’re lucky enough to live in a small state which makes it possible to visit all the libraries in a year or so and many homeschoolers have done just that! There are 48 library systems in Rhode Island and about 80 branches all together. You can find a complete list on the Office of Library and Information Services (OLIS) website. 


There are lots of different ways to approach this project and work it into your homeschooling. A couple of ideas to get you started are to:

  • Use it as a geography project by mapping out and planning your routes together. You could add in looking for other things to explore while you’re in different areas - playgrounds, beaches, and ice cream shops (a local homeschool family created a chart that they used to compare ice cream from various shops) are all ideas. 
  • Choose an aspect of the library to review and rate so that you can choose your favorites. Local homeschooler, Logan, reviewed the outdoor reading spaces at the libraries in RI and created a StoryMap to present his findings. Maybe you’d like to rate the children’s space, graphic novel selection, or uniqueness of the library pets.


2. Check out an Event

Try out a new-to-you story time, book club, role playing group, or crafting session. OLIS has an Events page where you can search across the entire state or  check the calendar on the website of the library you’re interested in visiting. It can also be helpful to get on the newsletter distribution list or Facebook page for libraries you frequent as events can sometimes fill up quickly.


3. Plan Your Own Event

We all need a little incentive to get us going sometimes. If there’s a library that you’ve been wanting to check out, but haven’t found the time, make a plan to meet some friends there. You could meet for an already scheduled library event (see #2) or plan a more casual meetup to explore the children’s area or playground, do some puzzles or play games, read some books, and chill out with friends. A change of scenery is always appreciated!


4. Volunteer!

If you have older tweens and teens the library is a fantastic place for them to volunteer. Most libraries have volunteer programs over the summer as they need many hands to run those Summer Reading Programs! But there are also opportunities year-round. Reach out to a librarian and see what needs they have.


5. Shop a Book Sale

Library book sales are the best deals of all time! You have to keep your eye out for the sale announcements, but if your family has avid readers a book sale is a fantastic option to stock up cheaply. Keep an eye on library newsletters, social media, and the ENRICHri Information Facebook  page for book sale announcements. 

If you’re looking for more about libraries and homeschooling check out
ENRICHri’s Libraries Supporting Homeschoolers page. Happy exploring… and reading!

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