Homeschool benefits: Ela Area Public Library
Ela Area Public Library gives families in its district a free three-year library card with fine-free borrowing, seven-day Museum Adventure Passes to places such as Brookfield Zoo and the Chicago Botanic Garden, and a homeschool page of curriculum resources. You apply in person with two IDs showing an address in the district, which covers most of Lake Zurich, Kildeer, and Hawthorn Woods.
Who qualifies
Lives in the library district
The district includes most, but not all, of Lake Zurich, Kildeer, Hawthorn Woods, and some nearby unincorporated areas.
Brings two IDs with your address
Both must show your current address in the district, and one must be a photo ID.
Brings a parent if under 18
A parent or guardian must be present when a child under 18 applies for a card.
Is 18 for online passes
Explore More Illinois museum reservations are limited to cardholders 18 and older, and attractions may ask for photo ID.
What the card gives you
These terms come from Ela Area Public Library's borrowing, library card, museum pass, and homeschool pages.
- Books, audiobooks, and kits
- 3 weeks
- DVDs, magazines, and Curiosity Kits
- 1 week
- Museum Adventure Pass
- 1 per family, 7 days
- Explore More Illinois reservations
- 3 at a time
- Hoopla digital items
- 20 a month
- Kanopy videos
- 15 a month
There are no late fees, but your account is blocked once an item is 14 days overdue, and items 45 days overdue are billed at replacement cost.
How to get the card
- Before you go
Gather two IDs
Bring two documents with your current district address, one with a photo, and bring your child if they are getting a card.
- At the library
Get your card
Apply at 275 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich. Your card lasts three years from the day you receive it.
- Before a field trip
Borrow a museum pass
Pick up a Museum Adventure Pass at the Information Desk, first come, first served, or reserve an Explore More Illinois pass online and print it shortly before your visit.
- Every three years
Renew your card
Bring two forms of identification showing your current district address.
What it includes
Included
- Fine-free borrowing of books and media
- Museum Adventure Passes and Explore More Illinois reservations
- Hoopla and Kanopy streaming
- Homeschool curriculum resource links
Not included
- Replacement cost of lost or damaged items
- Renewals once an item is 14 days overdue
- Free cards for people outside the district
Good to know
Passes cover zoos, gardens, and museums
Museum Adventure Passes include Brookfield Zoo and the Chicago Botanic Garden. Explore More Illinois adds more museums, zoos, gardens, and historical societies; each attraction sets its own admission offer.
Who to contact about the card
The library at 275 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich, answers questions about cards, museum passes, and homeschool resources; circulation questions can go to circ@eapl.org.
circ@eapl.org 847-438-3433 Homeschool resources
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
- We live outside the Ela library district. Can we still borrow?
- Yes, with a card from your home library. Bring that card and identification so staff can set up an account.
- How do renewals work?
- Many items renew automatically three days before they are due, up to two times. Renewals stop when charges on your account reach $10 or your card has expired.
- What does the library's homeschool page link to?
- Subject resources and the Illinois State Board of Education homeschool page.
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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