Library Services to Homeschoolers - by Christina Giovannelli Caputo

About the Book

Library Services to Homeschoolers will help librarians understand how important the library is to the homeschool population, how to create programs that will fit the homeschooler's needs, and how to advocate for homeschoolers' needs in the library.

Book Synopsis

Library Services to Homeschoolers: A Guide will help librarians understand and serve their homeschooling community.

Chapter 1 covers the early history of homeschooling and how compulsory education changed how our children were schooled. Chapter 2 explores the homeschool revolution, when parents began to take back the education of their children. Chapter 3 looks at homeschooling today and the way laws, advocacy groups, and COVID-19 all contributed to a surge in homeschooling families. Chapter 4 examines the various methods parents use to educate their children at home. From an at home classrooms to travelschooling, parents are creative in teaching their children. Chapter 5 is the how-to-do-it for libraries. Learn how public libraries can help parents and caregivers teach their children by providing a place, materials, programs, and more. Chapter 6, explores various ways of reaching the homeschooling community we want to serve. Chapter 7 looks at the growing diversity in home education. Finally, Chapter 8 peers into the future of homeschooling, helping us prepare for the needs of future homeschooling families.

Review Quotes

"This comprehensive overview of homeschooling comes from the author of a 2017 VOYA submission, "Hanging with My Homies," an article that grew into a series that prompted online support groups and inspired presentations at national conferences, all indicators of the considerable interest public librarians have in improving their services to parents and homeschooled kids....There is a helpful discussion about meeting the homeschooling needs of diverse religious and cultural families and members of marginalized communities. A final chapter considers the future of homeschooling, looking towards increased e-learning and hybrid scenarios. Academic yet accessible, practitioners and library students alike will appreciate the copious chapter notes. This should be of interest to every public library." --Booklist

"This is an excellent, comprehensive account of both the history and philosophy of education as well as the validity for people returning to home education. May the library continue to rise to the challenge of meeting the needs of 'at home learners'!" --Colleen Ryan, homeschool specialist at the Grayslake (IL) Public Library

"An important resource for public librarians, parents considering homeschooling will also benefit from Caputo's commentary as she leads readers through a range of related topics: the birth of the US public education system, the history of homeschooling, the impact of the current pandemic, and the role of public libraries." --Patricia Sparreo, elementary school teacher, children's library professional, Washington School, Glenview, IL

"Caputo offers a well-researched and comprehensive history of education, and homeschooling's historic role in that history. This history reflects how libraries can-and should-pivot to meet the exponential growth of parent directed education today. She introduces popular educational philosophies commonly embraced by homeschoolers, offers best practices for libraries, and many easy to find resources that are sure to meet the needs of busy staff." --Kathy Wentz, educational consultant, homeschool liason, Homeschool Resource Center at the Johnsburg Public Library, IL

An important resource for public librarians, parents considering homeschooling will also benefit from Caputo's commentary as she leads readers through a range of related topics: the birth of the US public education system, the history of homeschooling, the impact of the current pandemic, and the role of public libraries.

Caputo offers a well-researched and comprehensive history of education, and homeschooling's historic role in that history. This history reflects how libraries can-and should-pivot to meet the exponential growth of parent directed education today. She introduces popular educational philosophies commonly embraced by homeschoolers, offers best practices for libraries, and many easy to find resources that are sure to meet the needs of busy staff.

This comprehensive overview of homeschooling comes from the author of a 2017 VOYA submission, "Hanging with My Homies," an article that grew into a series that prompted online support groups and inspired presentations at national conferences, all indicators of the considerable interest public librarians have in improving their services to parents and homeschooled kids....There is a helpful discussion about meeting the homeschooling needs of diverse religious and cultural families and members of marginalized communities. A final chapter considers the future of homeschooling, looking towards increased e-learning and hybrid scenarios. Academic yet accessible, practitioners and library students alike will appreciate the copious chapter notes. This should be of interest to every public library.

This is an excellent, comprehensive account of both the history and philosophy of education as well as the validity for people returning to home education. May the library continue to rise to the challenge of meeting the needs of 'at home learners'!

About the Author

Christina Giovannelli Caputo started her career as a high school art teacher in 2002 and has taught high school and elementary school. She inspired many teens to find their calling and still hears from former students today. In 2007, Caputo transitioned into librarianship and has been trailblazing ever since. A vocal promoter for equitable services to all youth, she has driven engagement through her advocacy. Caputo has written for the American Library Association (ALA) about homeschooling and mentorship. She teaches for ALA Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) division on At Home Learners and the public library. Caputo has recently taught for the University of Wisconsin Madison in the iSchool for MLIS students about the implementation of strategic communications planning. Caputo wrote a miniseries, "Hanging with My Homies," for Voices for Youth Advocates (VOYA). Since 2017, she has spoken at conferences to increase the profession's awareness of alternative education methods, schooling diversity, and the need for library support.