Homeschool benefits and savings in Nevada County
A free Nevada County Library Educator Card lets you borrow with no item limit for 60 days at a time, place up to 50 requests, and pay no late fees, in addition to your personal library card. Certified home-schools in Nevada County are on the library's list of eligible educators.
Who qualifies
Teaches in Nevada County
The card is for educators at institutions in Nevada County, and the library names certified home-schools alongside public and private schools, licensed child-care providers, and recreation leaders.
Teaches Pre-K through grade 12
The library asks what grade level you teach so its Youth Services Department can track how well it serves local educators.
Applies through youth services
Apply by email or phone with the Grass Valley youth services librarian for western Nevada County, or the Truckee librarian. The page does not list which homeschool record to bring, so ask when you apply.
What the card gives you
Nevada County Library's Educator Card page and borrowing policies set these terms.
- Items checked out at once
- No limit
- Loan period
- 60 days
- Requests at one time
- Up to 50
- Late fees
- None
- Card cost
- Free
- Renewal
- Every June 30
Lost or damaged items can still be charged to the account, so ask the youth services librarian before a missing book becomes a fee.
How to get the card
- Before you apply
Get a personal card
Library cards are free for Nevada County residents with photo ID and proof of address. The Educator Card is a separate account for teaching materials.
- When you apply
Contact youth services
Email or call 530-265-1541 in western Nevada County, or 530-582-7846 in Truckee, to request the Educator Card.
- During the school year
Borrow for teaching
Check out as many items as you need for up to 60 days, and place holds through the catalog for pickup at any branch.
- Each year by June 30
Renew and reconfirm
The card expires June 30 of the school year it was issued. Renew it and confirm your eligibility again each year.
What it includes
Included
- Books and other library materials with no item limit
- Up to 50 holds
- Many of the library's digital resources
- Loans with no late fees
Not included
- Link+ materials
- Discover & Go museum passes
- Telescopes, hotspots, and other equipment
- Some streaming formats
- Personal-use borrowing
Use the Educator Card for teaching materials and your personal card for your own reading, since the library intends the Educator Card to support your students.
Good to know
You keep your regular card
The Educator Card is an extra account, and the library asks you to borrow personal materials on your general card.
Some items are off limits on the Educator Card
Link+ items, Discover & Go museum passes, telescopes, hotspots, and other equipment are off limits, and some streaming formats may be excluded. Borrow those on a personal card where its rules allow.
Who to contact about the card
The youth services librarians process Educator Card applications and answer questions about lost items on an Educator account.
emily.phillips@nevadacountyca.gov 530-265-1541 Educators page
Homeschool rules and statewide help in California
For the home-based private-school pathway, file the Private School Affidavit during the October 1–15 annual filing period. New schools may use the online filing system during its separate August 1–June 30 opening window. Other legal pathways have their own rules.
California sets these rules:
- Subjects: The private-school pathway must provide instruction in English in the branches of study required for public schools; the parent chooses the materials and course sequence.
- Testing: California does not impose a statewide standardized-testing requirement on private-school students.
- Records: Private schools must keep the records required by California law, including attendance and faculty information.
- Teachers: Private-school instructors must be capable of teaching; California does not issue a separate homeschool-parent credential.
Read the California homeschooling guide See statewide programs in California
Questions parents ask
- What if my child loses a book checked out on the card?
- You may be charged for it. The library does not charge overdue fines but may charge for lost or damaged items, so contact youth services by email or at 530-265-1541.
- We live in Truckee. Where do we apply?
- Contact the Truckee Library youth services librarian by email at piret.griffith@nevadacountyca.gov or by phone at 530-582-7846.
Turn support into your child’s next lesson
Books and library resources give your child something to explore. We turn their interests into coursework, so library discoveries can lead to deeper study at home.
$149/month per child after the trial.
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