Homeschool benefits and savings in Coal Valley
The Coal Valley Public Library District's free Educator Card lets homeschool parents borrow books and audiobooks for six weeks at a time with no overdue fines, and a librarian will gather materials for you with 7 to 12 days' notice. Educators teaching in Coal Valley schools, childcare facilities, or home settings qualify.
Who qualifies
Teaches in a home setting
Educator Cards are for educators in Coal Valley schools, childcare facilities, or home settings, which includes homeschooling parents.
Teaches in the Coal Valley area
The library offers educator cards to educators teaching in the Village of Coal Valley service areas.
Sends the online request
Fill out the Educator Card application on the library's Educator Cards page and select Send Request.
Accepts card responsibilities
You are responsible for everything checked out on the card, and unreturned or damaged items can suspend borrowing.
What the card gives you
These terms come from the library's Educator Cards page and its library card FAQ.
- Loan period
- 6 weeks
- Overdue fines
- None
- Librarian-gathered materials
- 7-12 days' notice
- Electronic reservations
- Allowed
- Personal library card for district residents
- Free
- Lost Educator Card
- Replacement charge
The page does not list an item limit or the replacement charge, so ask the service desk how many items you can borrow at once.
How to get the card
- Before you apply
Check your teaching area
Make sure you teach in the Coal Valley service area; residents of the library district also get a free personal card with photo ID and proof of address.
- Online
Request the card
Submit the Educator Card application form on the library website.
- 7-12 days before you need books
Ask a librarian to pull items
Contact the librarian with your topics, or visit to choose materials and place electronic reservations yourself.
- Every six weeks
Return or swap materials
Bring items back promptly and report a lost card or a change of address or email right away.
What it includes
Included
- Books and audiobooks on many subjects and reading levels
- Six-week loans
- Librarian help gathering materials
- Electronic reservations
Not included
- Replacement of lost or damaged items
- Lost card replacement
Good to know
There are no overdue fines
The Educator Card has no overdue fines. Items that are never returned or come back damaged can lead the library to suspend borrowing and seek payment.
Staff can pull books for your unit study
Contact the librarian 7 to 12 days ahead and staff will gather materials for you to pick up.
Who to contact about the card
The service desk at 900 First Street, Coal Valley, answers questions about Educator Cards, library cards, and gathering materials.
info@robertrjoneslibrary.org 309-799-3047 Educator Card application
Homeschool rules and statewide help in Illinois
You do not have to file a homeschool notice.
Illinois sets these rules:
- Subjects: Teach language arts, math, biological, physical, and social sciences, fine arts, and physical development and health, in English, at least at public-school level.
- Testing: Illinois does not require standardized testing for homeschoolers.
- Records: Illinois does not require homeschool records.
- Teachers: The instructor must be competent; no state teaching certificate is required.
Read the Illinois homeschooling guide See statewide programs in Illinois
Questions parents ask
- Does it cost anything?
- No, except a replacement fee if you lose the card. Personal library cards are also free for people who live within the library district.
- Is the library the same as the Robert R. Jones Public Library?
- Yes. The Coal Valley Public Library District runs the Robert R. Jones Public Library at 900 First Street.
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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