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Welcome to the Library!
We look forward to serving you at the St. Charles Public Library. The Library plays a very important and active role in encouraging and developing an interest in lifelong literacy and learning through our collection of materials, assistance in Reference and Reader Services, and programs and events to stimulate reading. We offer a number of services to families who homeschool.
Library Orientation
Stop at the Information Services Desk in Adult Services or the ASK ME Desk in Youth Services for a general tour and orientation to the Library and its programs.
Library Materials on Homeschooling
Homeschooling materials can be found in the Library catalog under the subject headings listed below or by browsing these Dewey numbers on the shelves in Adult Services or in the Parent Collection in Youth Services:
Education—computer network resources 025.0637
Education—parent participation 372.21 649.1
Home schooling 371.042
Internet in education 025.0637 371.042 371.33 371.35
Mass media and children 302.23 305.23 649.5
Motivation in education 370.154 649.68
Study skills 371.3028
Reading—parent participation 372.4
Home Education Magazine is found in Youth Services.
Homeschool Workshop Held Each August
An overview of the services and resources the Library provides for families that homeschool is held each August. The workshop includes: online resources, Internet access, Live Homework Help, research strategies, literature programs, and more. An open forum provides an opportunity to network with other parents. Supervised activities for children are available during the workshop. (Check the calendar.)
Library News & Programs
The best sources for information about Library programs and activities are our newsletters, brochures, and website. A few newsletters to note are:
The entire list of Library newsletters can be found on this website. Subscribe to our RSS feeds to stay updated.
From home:
From home –
- Access to the Library’s catalog and your account to check on due dates, renew materials, place titles on hold, and pay fines.
- Find information on services, programs, and special events.
- Stay up-to-date with the Library via Facebook and Twitter. You do not need an account to read our posts and tweets, so please stop by! If you do have an account, “like” and/or “follow” us.
- Search our most popular databases simultaneously, including the Library’s catalog, using “Super Search.”
- Download e-books, e-audiobooks, and music for free.
- Find reading suggestions from picture books to adult titles.
- Questions? “Ask a Librarian”– Instant Message (IM) reference service is located on the right side of most St. Charles Public Library web pages or e-mail.
Scholastic BookFlix
 This online literacy resource pairs classic video storybooks with related nonfiction e-books to build a love of reading and learning.
TrueFLIX
 This online literacy resource includes a streaming video to introduce a topic along with a nonfiction e-book to hone literacy skills. Lesson plans are included for each topic.
TumbleBooks
An  online collection of books ideal for readers of all ages from animated, talking picture books to read-along titles to full length, unabridged, streaming audiobook classics.
Beginning Reader Books by Reading Level
 Navigating through our beginning to read JR collection is easy. Take a look at the booklists on our website to find great titles on your child’s reading level.
A Book List – Just For You! Answer a few questions and librarians will create a personalized reading list – just for you!
You’ve Got to Read This!
 Find great books to read with our interactive book review database. Add comments to those you’ve enjoyed or even write a review for a title you’ve read.
Live Homework Help
Online tutor assistance for students in controlled chat sessions is available from Live Homework Help. Tutors are available seven days a week from 10:00 a.m. to midnight in English or Spanish.
Note: The SkillsCenter Resource Library is available 24/7 and contains thousands of study guides, tutorials, worksheets, and more for grades K – 12. There also are resources for graduate school entrance tests and careers.
Research Guides
We have Research Guides on various topics designed to be a starting point for research projects. They include online resources and reference materials that always are available in the Library.
Online Database Resources
The Library subscribes to a number of online databases that contain articles, photographs, maps, and other kinds of information. Go a step beyond Googling and take a look at the “Premium Search Databases” available on our website.
You will need to enter your St. Charles Library card number and PIN to access these from home.
We also have online resources specifically for students through grade 8 under “Youth.” Search tips have been included for the resources on this page to help you navigate each database.
Examples:
- Curriculum Resource Center
Student-oriented database, including historical timelines, 400 maps, science and anatomy diagrams, science experiments, mathematics exercises, and physical education and health topics.
- Learning Express Library
Provides interactive practice tests, including the SAT, ACT, GED, civil service, military, real estate, teacher certification, and more. Also includes computer skills training and United States citizenship.
- World History
Covers civilizations and cultures of world history from prehistoric times through the modern era.
Online Database Resources Orientation
Contact Youth Services at 630-584-9390 for information on scheduling an introduction to these online resources for you and your children. Learn what they are and see how they may be of use to you in your family’s studies.
The Internet
There are many great homeschooling sites on the Internet. Access is provided for adults and registered high school students in the Adult Services Department. Youth Services offers access to students through grade 8, whose parents have reviewed our Internet policy and signed a permission form. Parents also may use the computers in the Youth Services Info Commons when their children are in the Youth Services Department or attending programs.
Websites:
Additional sites can be found on our website under Parents, Teachers & Scout Leaders.
A to Z Home’s Cool:
Discusses various teaching methods and styles.
Chicagoland Homeschool Network:
A website with local resources for the Chicagoland homeschooler.
Homeschool Central:
Features a directory of regional resources.
Homeschool Curriculum and Support
Homeschool curriculum and support by homeschoolers, for homeschoolers.
Homeschool.com:
Provides resources, information, and support for all homeschooling families.
Homeschooling:
Features timely articles and a list of resources.
Homeschool Literature.com
A website featuring literature and stories about homeschoolers including book reviews, study guides and a book club.
Homeschool World:
Includes links to study materials, curricula, special education, and teaching aids.
InHome Conference:
Information on the annual homeschool conference organized by Illinois’ Home Educators Conference Fund.
Internet Public Library (ilp2) Homeschooling Resources
Internet and print resources to help you get started finding information on homeschooling.
Johnsburg Public Library Homeschool Resource Center
Located about an hour from St. Charles, the Johnsburg Public Library has a Homeschool Resource Center which offers curriculum materials, science equipment, math manipulatives, educational games and kits, software, and print materials that can be checked out with your St. Charles Library card.
Jon’s Homeschool Resources:
A source of neutral, non-commercial homeschooling information.
Love @ Home:
A site put together by a homeschooling family featuring ideas and activities to make homeschooling fun.
You Can Homeschool: Start Here!:
Ideas to help you get started including answers to the big questions, “Can I do it? How do I do it?” and “I won’t ruin my kids?” from the Homeschool Legal Defense Association.
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St Charles, IL 60174 • www.stcharleslibrary.org
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