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The library will be closed Friday, March 29 & Sunday, March 31. The book drop will remain open.

Homeschool Resources

Children's Events
The CPL offers a variety of children's events. Check here to see what is happening.
Teen Events
Information on events for teens at the Carbondale Public Library. Teen events are always FREE and are geared for participants age 12-18.
PNG
Free technology based program for 5th – 8th graders. Participants explore art, science, and technology through a variety of entertaining and engaging activities. Registration required.
Reading Challenges
Reading challenges are available throughout the year for all ages. Check here to see what is available.
HWB
Homeschool Without Borders is a monthly relaxed chat/brainstorm session held at the library to help support home education in our community. Hosted by Renee Schwartz & Shelby Pals.
HWB
Calendar of homeschooling events in the Southern Illinois region, as well as a list of people who offer homeschooling support. Submit special events, educational programs, and activities specifically for homeschooler families to the community calendar.
SHARE
Use the SHARE Catalog to request books from within the IHLS library system. Search for books in the CPL's teaching and parenting section (located at the bottom of the ramp on the first floor). Use keywords such as 'teaching' and 'parenting' for best results.
cloudLibrary
cloudLibrary is a downloadable audio and digital book service available to all CPL cardholders. Read or listen on your mobile phone, tablet or e-reader using the cloudLibrary app. Check out up to 5 titles at one time for up to 21 days. Titles automatically expire, so there are no last minute trips to the Library or late fees.
hoopla
hoopla is a groundbreaking digital media service offered by your local public library that allows you to borrow movies, music, audiobooks, ebooks, comics and TV shows to enjoy on your computer, tablet, or phone – and even your TV! Use your Carbondale Public Library # and pin to download the app or use it on a computer.
Home Educational Entertainment Resources
A curated list of resources for all ages that are both educational and entertaining.
Home PreK-12 Educational Resources
A list of websites that offer educational resources for students in PreK-12.
ISBE
Learn about home schooling laws and requirements in the state of Illinois.
HSLDA
Provides legal advice and information for homeschooling families. Some services require a membership to the organization.
NHERI
NHERI conducts and collects research about homeschooling (home-based education, home schooling), and publishes the research journal called the Home School Researcher.
The Brave Learner
by Susan Wise Bauer
A guide to homeschooling outlines an accessible approach that focuses on a child's natural curiosity, exploring how to organize a learning curriculum to foster everyday imagination.
Call of the Wild + Free
by Ainsley Arment
Speaking to the growing national trend, The Call of the Wild and Free equips families to provide quality homeschool education, and encourages all parents and caregivers to raise kids to experience the adventure, freedom, and wonder of childhood.
The Everything Homeschooling Book
by Sherri Linsenbach
Whether you're just starting out or have homeschooled for years, this book will give you tips and techniques to energize and enrich your child's education.
Home Learning Year by Year
by Rebecca Rupp
Presents comprehensive plans from preschool through high school, covering integral subjects for each grade, with lists of topics commonly presented at each level, recommended resource and reading lists, and suggestions for creative alternative options and approaches.
How Children Learn
by John Holt
This enduring classic of educational thought offers teachers and parents deep, original insight into the nature of early learning. John Holt was the first to make clear that, for small children, "learning is as natural as breathing." In this delightful yet profound book, he looks at how we learn to talk, to read, to count, and to reason, and how we can nurture and encourage these natural abilities in our children.
Unschooled
by Kerry McDonald
In a compelling narrative that introduces historical and contemporary research on self-directed education, Unschooled also spotlights how a diverse group of individuals and organizations are evolving an old schooling model of education. These innovators challenge the myth that children need to be taught in order to learn.
The Ultimate Book of Homeschooling Ideas
by Linda Dobson
With more than 1,000 kid-tested and parent-approved techniques for learning, parents who homeschool their children can engage their children in fun-filled activities focusing on math, science, reading, music, art, history, and health, which can be adapted to any family's homeschooling style and educational needs.
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