RE: What about programs for home schoolers in other library branches?

I am often asked by homeschoolers that I meet from other areas in Ocean County (besides Toms River) if any programs will be starting up at their libraries [note the question in my last post]. This is a very good question and very common. While I can and do suggest it to my colleagues, I think it is important that they hear from you so they know there is a need in their own community - let them know that you homeschool and that you would be interested in a daytime book discussion for your children (the ones that are too old for the pre-K programs, say 6 and up). Librarians are very open to hearing new ideas for programs and I have had so much support from fellow staff members in serving our homeschool population.

At the same time, you have to realize that librarians have a myriad of responsibilities that are not always apparent to the public. And some of our smaller branches may only have one or two children's librarians to do everything. For programs to succeed, they need to be planned and put on the calendar months in advance (here it is mid-March and we already have to get our summer schedule finalized).

So talk to your children and/or teen librarians, let them know that you homeschool and that a book discussion would be a valued program at your local library. Then be willing to spread the word among your fellow home schoolers so these programs are well attended. The number of children attending my homeschool book discussion group has doubled since beginning in January - once the word gets out that there is a need, home school library programs will be a regularly scheduled item. But as homeschoolers, we may have to get the ball rolling.