Tips on starting a homeschool library?

Question

I have had a great knack at getting textbooks from people that would be perfect for homeschooling... but most are far more advanced for my child. I was thinking of starting a homeschool library where other local homeschoolers could borrow from me and also donate. The only issue is how to ensure that the books would be returned so that I can use them when needed. Also how to get people to donate books for others when they no longer need it.

Thanks!

Answer 1

Do this through your local homeschool group.  You will probably get some help and you will be providing a great service for your local homeschool group.

Ours has a library and it is considered one of the benefits of joining.

Answer 2

i bet you know inventory.

use it.

do it in your own way

anyway, there is no limitations in it.

Answer 3

That won't be easy without being nasty like a library.

Maybe try a donate two borrow one set up.  Return it and take another in exchange.

Thems the rules.  They bring in two acceptable books.  You let them take one.  When they bring it back they can take another.  They bring in 4 your let them take 2.

Answer 4

As for getting more books, I'd just advertise, put up flyers at the library, put in a notice in your local support group newsletter, etc etc Don't forget freecycle or craigslist.

To ensure books being returned, ask for a check as a deposit. When they return the book, you return the check, with the guarantee that you won't cash it unless they keep it past the agreed upon time without renewing. You might look at the form that the local public library uses when people get a card, it's a basic contract and that would be good for you to have people sign when they start borrowing books.

Answer 5

Perhaps it would be easiest to donate those books to the local library and let them do all the management. Maybe they can introduce a special system so you homeschoolers can borrow the books for longer than they would ordinarily allow. A red dot on the spine of the book, and a red dot on your library card, or something. It wouldn't be hard for them to include something like that in their computer system. Or those books could be kept in a special section to only be borrowed by the homeschoolers. I'm thinking of the system at uni where books on the reading lists were segregated from the rest of the collection and marked "3 day loan" or "7 day loan" or were only allowed to be used in the library for a few hours.

Answer 6

First off it sounds like you have the knack for getting the books so that will probably continue especially through those who utilize your library....they will realize the benefit of it.  Libraries usually have sales and school systems have "out of adoption" books for free.  Homeschool groups usually have a form of communication where you can advertise in newsletters or email asking for books.  It would be important to ask if they will expect it back or if it is a donation.  I have borrowed books in the past and then really wanted them back and couldn't remember who had them so be sure to keep good records about who you borrowed them to and when to expect them back.  If they are being used for curriculum you will want to consider letting them borrow them for longer than the 2 week library thing....potentially for a whole school year.  I would consider a decent deposit to ensure that the book is returned in the condition it was given...a deposit of even $20 to be returned if the book is given in the time allotted and the condition that it was orginally would be fair to me.  If it isn't returned, perhaps the $ will allow you to purchase it for your library again.

Answer 7

Do it like the real libraries do.

Attach card placeholders in the front covers of the books and make up little cards to go in them.  Put columns for things like NAME, DATE ISSUED, DATE RETURNED.

Keep a log book.  Just get a binder and print out pages and pages of columns that say NAME, BOOK BORROWED, DATE OUT, DATE IN, COST, ADDED FEES.  The cost is what they are originally paying, and the added fees is the late fees, extended time fees.

It could cost a dime for every week they'd like to check out the book.  A quarter to extend the time (they originally check it out for a week, but need it for another week, so they pay a total of 35 cents).  And 15 cents for every day that it is past due.

Then, if they donate a book, they can get to check out a book for two weeks for free.  So, it'd be easy for them to donate one they no longer need, and use their free time to check out the one they need next.

As long as you keep track of it, it could work.  And, as long as you have space for all of the books.  You could post ads for your library, and make sure to include the prices and fees on your poster/ad.  Circulate flyers around any home-school groups you are with.

I think it's a great idea.

You could keep the money you get in a jar and save it up to eventually buy a new book or two for the library, or to buy more supplies like log books, pens, paper for printing the sheets out.