Homeschool benefits: Kokomo-Howard County Public Library
The Kokomo-Howard County Public Library issues a Home School card that lets you check out up to 30 items at a time from any circulating collection, on the same loan periods as a regular card. Adults who belong to a home school association or hold an Indiana Department of Education identification number qualify.
Who qualifies
Is a homeschooling adult
The card goes to an adult, who is responsible for every transaction and all library computer use on it.
Shows homeschool proof
Show proof of membership in a home school association, or your Indiana Department of Education identification number, when you register.
Brings photo ID with address
Bring a driver's license, state ID, or other photo ID with your current address. If it shows an old address, add recent mail, a utility bill, a pay stub, or a bank statement.
What the card gives you
The terms come from the library's card types page and its fines and fees page.
- Items out at once
- 30
- Loan periods
- Same as a regular card
- Lost card replacement
- $2
- Material recovery fee
- $10
- Non-resident card
- $98
Replacement fees apply to everything checked out on the Home School card, unlike the library's Teacher Collection card, so return items or pay before the balance reaches $40.
How to get the card
- Before you go
Gather your proof
Bring your home school association membership proof or your Indiana Department of Education identification number, plus photo ID with your current address.
- At the library
Register at circulation
Ask for a Home School card at the circulation desk at KHCPL Main, KHCPL South, or KHCPL Russiaville.
- Each checkout
Borrow up to 30 items
Check out any circulating material, keeping track of due dates so replacement charges do not build up.
- Each year
Verify your record
Patron records expire after one year and must be verified again, so bring your ID when the library asks.
What it includes
Included
- Up to 30 items at a time
- All circulating library material
- Library computer use
Not included
- Waived replacement fees
- Extended teacher loan periods
Good to know
Show association membership or a state ID number
You need proof of membership in a home school association, or an Indiana Department of Education identification number, plus photo ID showing your name and current address.
Standard loan periods apply
The Home School card has the same loan periods as a regular patron card. The 45-day extended loan belongs to the Teacher Collection card, which requires employment at a school in the district.
Who to contact about the card
Library reference staff answer card and account questions by phone, text, and email during library hours.
Homeschool rules and statewide help in Indiana
No state registration or homeschool number is required. On withdrawal, notify the school in writing. For a high-school student, a parent or guardian must also sign the Withdrawal to Non-Accredited Non-public School Located in Indiana form.
Indiana sets these rules:
- Subjects: Provide 180 days of instruction and instruction equivalent to public schools; state law does not define equivalency, and public-school curriculum rules do not apply.
- Testing: Indiana does not require standardized testing for homeschoolers.
- Records: Indiana requires you to keep attendance records.
- Teachers: Indiana does not require a teaching certificate or degree to homeschool your own child.
Indiana also has an education savings account that home-educated students can use.
- The Indiana Education Scholarship Account pays about 90% of state tuition support, for students with a qualifying disability or an eligible sibling. Once enrolled, your child is no longer an independent homeschool student, and the money stays in ClassWallet for approved costs.
Read the Indiana homeschooling guide See statewide programs in Indiana
Questions parents ask
- What if a book is lost or damaged?
- Replacement fees apply to everything checked out on the Home School card, at the price listed on the item's record. An account owing $40 or more in fines and replacement fees can be sent to a collection agency.
- Can my child use the Home School card?
- No. The card is issued to an adult who is responsible for all transactions on it; children can get their own card with a parent's signature on the registration form.
- We live outside the library's district. Can we still get a card?
- Yes, a non-resident card for $98 a year if you do not own property in the district. Ask the circulation desk whether that card can be set up as a Home School card.
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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