Library Programs and Services for Homeschoolers
Skokie Public Library offers many services helpful to homeschool families including entertaining and enriching programs for kids and families, mobile Library services, Library tours, and interlibrary loan.
For a complete schedule of Library activities and events, browse our Kids' Program and Activity Calendar and the Library Program and Event Calendar.
| Programs | Services |
| Book discussions | Ask a Librarian |
| Reading clubs | Bookmobile |
| Storytimes | Craft Room |
| Voice of Youth Award | Interlibrary loan |
| Library tours |
Programs
The Youth Services Department offers a variety of programs for children and their families. Regular favorites are author visits, book discussions, character visits, Craft Sunday, children's feature films, reading clubs, storytimes, and stage performances. For a complete description of Youth Services activities, check out What's Going On?
Book Discussions
- Junior Great Books ON HIATUS
- Children can develop their thinking and comprehension skills through weekly reading assignments and group discussion. Junior Great Books is led by Youth Services librarians who are certified Great Books Leaders. For more information about Junior Great Books for 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students, please call Jan Watkins at 847.324.3151.
- Teen Book Discussions
- Informal book discussions for teens are held in the Mary Radmacher Meeting Room on the first floor of Skokie Public Library. Refreshments are provided and registration is not necessary. For more information about Teen programs and activities, visit TeenScene!
Reading Clubs
Reading Clubs encourage children to develop a love of reading, become familiar with the Library, and set and attain goals. The Reading Patch Club is an exciting year-round reading program especially for kids! Children in preschool through 8th grade can earn embroidered patches for their backpack or jacket by reading a specified number of books. Visit the Youth Services Desk for more information about the Reading Patch Club.
The Summer Reading Club (June 1 through July 31) and Winter Reading Club are two other patron favorites open to children from birth through 8th grade. Each club requires children to read age-appropriate books and visit the Library four times to check in and receive prizes.
Storytimes
Share your love of reading by enrolling your child in an age-appropriate storytime! Regular storytimes for children are held for six-week sessions every fall, winter, and spring. Special storytimes are scheduled throughout the year and are often based upon a popular topic. Register online, at the Youth Services desk, or by phone at 847.324.3149.
Voice of Youth Award (VOYA)
The Voice of Youth Award is a special school-year reading program offered by the Youth Services Department of Skokie Public Library. Books are nominated by Youth Services librarians as great reads for young people in 3rd through 8th grade. Students who read at least three of the VOYA titles may vote for their favorite book during National Library Week. The author of the winning book will be invited to visit the Library during the next school year. A complete list of VOYA booklists is available at the Youth Services Desk and on the Web.
Services
Ask a Librarian
Do you need help finding a book, movie, or web page? Do you have a question about a Youth Services program, activity, or event? Send us an email message, and we'll try to reply within 48 hours. If you need an answer right away, please use our online Instant Messaging service or call the Youth Services Department at 847.324.3149.
Bookmobile
The bookmobile provides mobile library service five days a week, carrying books, CDs, audio and video cassettes to seventeen locations throughout Skokie.
Craft Room
Our craft room is packed with kid-sized tables and chairs, and features a colorful tiled floor and a wash-up sink. It is open to the public to make crafts during hours in which no Library programs are scheduled. Craft supplies and materials are provided.
Interlibrary Loan
Materials not owned by Skokie Public Library may be requested by Skokie patrons at the Readers' Services Desk or in Youth Services. Interlibrary loan requests may also be made online via our catalog, by clicking on the "Can't find it?" link at the top of the page.
Library Tours
Schedule a tour of the Youth Services department for your group! We'll include a storytime for younger children, and a treasure hunt or basic research instruction for older children. To schedule a tour for a homeschool group, contact Holly Jin at 847.324.3117.