Homeschool benefits and savings in Putnam County
Putnam County Public Library gives homeschool instructors a Teacher card, a second card on top of your personal one, that checks out materials for longer periods with no overdue fines. Librarians will also gather a themed educator kit of books for your homeschool with about a week's notice.
Who qualifies
Teaches as a homeschool instructor
The library offers the Teacher card to educators and homeschool instructors.
Has a personal library card
The Teacher card is in addition to your personal card. A Putnam County resident gets a free card with a photo ID showing a current address, or with a piece of mail.
Pays fee if out of county
An educator who lives outside Putnam County gets a Teacher card after paying the $35 non-resident fee, with no separate personal card.
What the card gives you
The terms come from Putnam County Public Library's educator resources page and its library card and borrowing FAQ.
- Teacher card loan period
- Longer than a personal card
- Personal card loan for print materials
- 3 weeks
- Books on one personal card
- 100
- Overdue fines
- None
- Out-of-county Teacher card
- $35 fee
- Replacement card
- $2
The educator page does not say how long a Teacher card loan lasts, and the FAQ lists $40 for an ordinary out-of-county card, so ask the circulation desk for the current loan period and fee.
How to get the card
- Before you go
Get your personal card
Preregister online if you like, then bring a photo ID with your current address to the circulation desk.
- At the library
Ask for a Teacher card
Tell staff you are a homeschool instructor and ask for the additional Teacher card.
- 1 week before you need it
Request an educator kit
Fill out the Educator Kit Request form with your card number, grade level, topic, number of books, and the date you need them.
- Every 2 years
Update your card
Library cards expire every two years, so update yours at the circulation desk if you have not visited in that time.
What it includes
Included
- Longer loan periods
- No overdue fines
- Class field trips and library tours
Not included
- Replacement costs for lost or damaged items
- Some Library of Things items, which can carry fines
Who to contact about the card
Library staff answer questions about Teacher cards, educator kits, and accounts.
circdesk@pcpl21.org 765-653-2755 Educator resources
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 happens if we return books late on the Putnam County Teacher card?
- No fines. Teacher cards are not fined for overdue books, and the library has been fine-free since 2022, but you still pay replacement costs for lost or damaged materials.
- What is a Putnam County educator kit?
- A youth services librarian gathers themed books and resources for your homeschool. Request one with the online form and allow at least one week.
- We live outside Putnam County. Can we still get one?
- Yes. Out-of-county educators can get a Teacher card after paying the $35 non-resident fee listed on the educator page.
- Can our homeschool group visit the library?
- Yes. The library offers book talks, tours, and research help for visiting classes. Request a visit by emailing ys@pcpl21.org.
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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