Question about library

[gcampbell]

I haven't posted in a while and haven't started HOD yet. We are starting in the fall. I had posted a while back with placement questions and everyone was so helpful! Now that I have that all figured out, I have another question......how often do you all add library books and videos to your days--and is it necessary with HOD? I have noticed that as much as I love the library, I have a BIG problem with the library. My books never seem to get returned on time and I always end up with big fines! The last curriculum we used, you really needed to use the library to have all you needed to really teach the topics. However, HOD has so many great books and it doesn't seem to need anything. I know library books and videos could enhance any curriculum, but I guess what my question is, is it necessary with HOD?

[faroutback]

Hi there. We like the library, too . And here lately we have been getting fined. I usually try to remember and call and renew our books but . We didn't find it necessary to get a lot from the library except for the books that they had that were on the reading lists for the HoD program we were in and books for enjoyment. Later, I found that some things that ds wanted to know more about we could find some extra books at the library for, but we mainly stuck with it just for "enjoyment"-he just didn't know he was learning then.

[Tansy]

Nope you don't need the library...

I can give you my tip as a person who supports my library with my fines... I have a big basket and all the books and library bags stay there... if its missing and say found under my dd's bed... my kid pays the fine. If its next to my bed I do

I make a plan to go to the library every week even if its only to drop off books we are done with.. If I miss I try to renew online or via the phone. This keeping them by the door and having every thing ready helps me grab the ones we are done with as I'm running out the door to go to the store. I always have the library check the media stuff in cause that way you know right away if something is missing or wrong.. not 3 days later, and they typically will renew it, and may waive the fine 2 days later when you do find the missing cd... since you made an effort in good faith to get it back on time. My system Is not perfect.. but it has helped me reduce my fines considerably!

My hubby doesn't care for the basket being there but since he's not paying 10$ in fines every month he keeps his opinion to him self.

[LAF512]

We're using LHFHG, and we've gotten a few of the extra books listed in the back of the guide for each unit. I don't think they are necessary though, and we mainly read them for enjoyment. I don't feel that my dd is lacking any knowledge if we don't get extra books from the library. The guide and regularly scheduled books are more than enough in my opinion.

[dale1088]

I think it just depends on the kids levels. I had to use the library to economize. I simply can't afford to keep my dd stocked in books. And, at her level (going into Preparing) she's a voracious reader. So we go weekly pretty much. Or if I don't think I can make it one week and need to stretch it to 2, I will write it on my calendar for the following week so that I will at least know I have to go then or renew everything online.

I also keep a basket by the door so that all books stay there and go back there. I tend to check out up to 30 books at a time, so I need to keep track of them. I usually keep my receipt from electronic check out so I can make sure I have everything to return or make notes about what i want to keep and renew. I also keep an eye out for really good quality book titles for me or dd and keep a notebook in my library tote so that I know what to look for once we get there. This has saved me TONS of time. Many are from the DITHOR reading list, others are from other curriculum reading lists or suggestions I hear about.

Yes, it's a bit of work, like it sounds! But the savings my library has provided me with more than makes up for it!! I will say that during the school year when we are busier with school books our library runs are smaller.

[my3sons]

The library can definitely be a friend or foe. It's been both for me. When I had one child,it was my friend. I made it to the library a lot and was quite on top of returning things on time. They were picture books at that time, since he was little, so we finished them quickly and returned them quickly. When I had more children, it was a foe (and still is ). The books I needed often weren't there when I needed them, and I didn't get them returned on time and ended up having enough fines I could have just bought books and owned them myself. The dc were also reading chapter books at that point, and they weren't done reading them sometimes by the time they were due. So, my dh and I decided to save some money to buy our own books build our own home library. I've used the HOD bookshop as my "collector's list".

We love using HOD's DITHOR, and it fills the need for a reading program/instruction beautifully, but I think it's nice to encourage free time independent reading as well. That's where a home library or public library comes in handy. Good luck as you try to decide if the library would be your friend or foe!

In Christ,
Julie

[gcampbell]

Thanks for all your replies and ideas! I actually do keep a basket full of just our library books and the kids know where it is and to put the books back in there when done. I think I will try keeping it by the door.....this is an excellent idea. I guess I just have to be more organized! I am definitely getting the books for DITHOR, I think this will help tremendously. I'm really excited to start this adventure!

[mschackow]

My library has a teacher card and it includes homeschool teachers. The teacher card allows me to keep the books six weeks instead of two and I don't pay fines. I also have a happy husband because his wife dosen't help support the library with fines anymore.
Michelle

[Carrie]

gcampbell,

The ladies have done a great job of answering your questions! We honestly do not use the library at all at our house. GASP! I used to when my kiddos were younger, but now we just use the books in HOD and the ones I buy for the upcoming year for their bookshelves. It's not necessary to use the library with HOD, unless you wish to economize, as all books needed within the program are available in the packages.

Blessings,
Carrie