By Kathy Green
Public libraries are a beloved resource for many homeschool families, offering free access to books, research tools, and community programs. But sometimes, families need to limit their use or find other options — whether due to distance, limited availability, or a desire for more appropriate learning experiences.
The good news? There’s a world of alternatives that can keep learning exciting, flexible, wholesome and affordable! Home, church, community book swaps, and homeschool networks are all places where good books can be found.
How to Start Building a Home Library for Your Homeschool
Creating a home library is about selecting books that support your family values and your child’s interests and learning needs. Start small and let your child’s reading and learning guide your initial choices. Your library will grow over time and change as your family’s needs change.
With a few shelves, baskets and bins, you can create a reading space that invites and begs to be explored. Add some cozy cushions for comfort, and you'll find your family retreating there often! In time, your home library will become a dynamic, inspiring learning hub that supports both your child’s education and your family’s joy.
What to Include
The 19th century, British educator, Charlotte Mason, believed that books for children must be imaginative, morally rich, intellectually stimulating, and chosen to inspire a lifelong love of reading. She abhorred “insufferable twaddle.” Books such as Honey for a Child’s Heart and Honey for a Teen’s Heart by Gladys Hunt are classics that have been a trusted source of the best books for children for decades. You’ll want to choose books carefully as if choosing friends! Use these and other valued resources as a guide to creating your book wish list and then begin your search.
A good homeschool library should:
• Support core subjects (reading and literature, math, science, history, fine arts, etc.)
• Include reference and nonfiction resources for digging deeper
• Offer biographies, faith-based, imaginative and narrative books to inspire, engage, build character and literacy
Book Categories
Choose books that have stood the test of time! A balanced collection might include:
• Classic literature
• Living books
• Nonfiction & reference
• Picture books & early readers
• STEM & nature books
• History & geography
• Poetry & read-alouds
• Audiobooks & e-books
Source Books Wisely
Building a home library doesn’t have to be expensive. You can find quality books for your library at:
• Thrift stores
• Local used bookshops
• Yard sales
• Online marketplaces
• Little Free Libraries
• Community book swaps
• HOME Inventory Clearance Sales
Keep It a Revolving Collection
A homeschool library should evolve with your child. Revisit your collection periodically, adding new books that match current interests and removing outdated or unused ones.
Consider Digital & E-Book Collections, too
The internet has opened doors to vast collections of reading material and educational content. Free Digital Libraries include platforms like Project Gutenberg and Internet Archive with thousands of public domain books. Subscription Reading Services like Kindle Unlimited, Scribd, and audiobook platforms can help diversify reading lists.
Homeschool Networks, Co-ops and Churches
Collaborating with other homeschool and church families can create a rich opportunity for sharing resources. Some maintain lending libraries, including games, and even science kits.
If your local public library isn't meeting your needs, do what homeschoolers do best. Create your own solution. A home library isn’t just a collection of books — it’s a living, breathing part of your homeschool journey and a reflection of your family’s unique learning lifestyle! When children have easy access to stories, facts, and ideas, they learn that knowledge is always within reach. That’s a gift that will last a lifetime!
* Library Skills is a required subject for Maine homeschoolers. HOME's Library Skills Unit Study provides engaging learning opportunities to help students find, evaluate, and use books and information through a variety of sources to gain knowledge.
Kathy Green has been homeschooling children and grandchildren for 45 years, and is HOME's co-founder along with her husband, Ed.