Libraries and Homeschoolers
The National Center for Education Statistics at IES estimates that in 2019, an estimated 2.8 percent of students ages 5–17 were homeschooled.1 The homeschooling population is comprised of traditional and non-traditional families from various ethnicities, races, belief systems, and lifestyles. Families choose to homeschool for many different reasons: a concern about school environment, a wish to provide moral or academic instruction, or simply because they enjoy being with their children. Each family is unique, each child is unique.
Libraries are a valued resource for homeschoolers. Experienced librarians can help new homeschoolers navigate the ocean of information available about homeschooling. Libraries can support active homeschoolers in many ways, including lending materials, providing free meeting space, offering events specifically targeted to homeschoolers, as well as other less obvious and often mutually beneficial ways.
Our hope is that this page of our website, designed specifically with Massachusetts librarians in mind, will help librarians to better serve their patrons who are researching basic information about and support for homeschooling in Massachusetts, as well as illustrate some ways to enhance the valuable homeschooler-library relationship.
Presentations
As part of our mission, AHEM volunteers—all experienced homeschooling parents—are available to facilitate workshops or guide discussion groups in public libraries on a variety of topics related to homeschooling. Sessions are typically one-and-a-half to two hours in length and are conducted informally with ample opportunity for questions and discussion. Availability of a specific topic is dependent on which AHEM volunteers are able and willing to present.
Our popular “Getting Started Homeschooling” program covers the nitty-gritty of how to get started for those new to homeschooling or just considering it. Topics to be covered include an overview of homeschooling, deciding whether or not to homeschool, getting started, methods for teaching, resources for teaching, and homeschooling support.
For more details on booking a workshop, see our handout Library Workshops.
“Considering Homeschooling” Pamphlets
AHEM trifolds have information on getting started, Massachusetts regulations, and resources. To receive free pamphlets for distribution, email info@ahem.info with your name and address and how many you need.
Recommended books for a core homeschooling collection
As an Amazon Associate, AHEM earns from qualifying purchases.
For parents of young children:
For teens:
More book recommendations can be found here.
Newsletter for Librarians
Sign up for our quarterly newsletter for librarians which includes tips for reaching local homeschoolers, information on additional AHEM resources, and updates on how Massachusetts libraries are working with the homeschooling community.