LIBRARY LAUNCHES NEW HOMESCHOOL COLLECTION

Petra MorrisPasadena Public Library

“Individuals can already make requests for library purchase, but sometimes the library sees it as being too individualized and so they won’t purchase it. If they know that this is a homeschooling resource and will be used by many people, maybe they would be willing to purchase them.”

Tanya, Homeschooling Parent

RESEARCH NOTES

• 1.5 million homeschoolers nationally*

• Need for educational materials• Public Library = School Library• Consistent users

*National Center for Education Statistic >http://nces.ed.gov/pubs2009/2009030.pdf

COMMUNITY SCAN

HOMESCHOOL ACCESS PROJECT

Build a specialized Homeschool Collection that…

• supports curriculum development• provides greater accessibility• enriches educational experiences

LEARNING BLOCKS

• Research• Adaptability• Listen to user wants• Support = staff &

community

Johnsburg Public Library

Homeschool Resource Center

http://www.johnsburglibrary.org/content/homeschool-resource-center

Pasadena Public Library HOMESCHOOL COLLECTION

A multi-format collection with 140 items…

• 56 General resource books• 27 Educational DVDs• 24 Learning equipment materials• 21 Curriculum resources• 12 Literacy kits

2010 SEPTEMBER 16

HOMESCHOOL COLLECTION LAUNCH

BY THE NUMBERS…

• 75 attendees• First day – 30% checkout

40% books and 60% equipment

• First week – 51% checkout

4010

2030

50

“…will bolster our efforts to provide the best we can offer to our

children studying at home. I am a grateful homeschooling mom.”

BEYOND THE NUMBERS…

MOVING FORWARD

Thank you.

• Expand services

• Benefit “schoolers”

• Draw in new users

• Position PPL as model

WHAT A DIFFERENCE…

THANK YOU