Homeschool benefits and savings in Manson
Manson Public Library gives homeschool families a free library card, free interlibrary loan from libraries across Iowa, exam proctoring for college courses, and a homeschool page with Iowa homeschool legal resources. Residents of Manson, Calhoun County, and Open Access communities qualify.
Who qualifies
Lives in a covered area
Cards go to residents of the City of Manson and Calhoun County and to anyone who qualifies through the State Library of Iowa's Open Access Program.
Signs the application
You fill out a card application and show a current ID. Children under 14 need a parent's signature.
Builds good standing
New cards are limited to 2 items, only one a DVD, for the first 30 days, and interlibrary loans wait until good standing is verified.
What the library gives you
These terms come from Manson Public Library's homeschoolers, library card, interlibrary loan, and proctoring pages.
- First library card
- Free
- Replacement card
- $1.00
- Items in the first 30 days
- 2, one DVD
- Interlibrary loan
- Free, about 3 weeks
- Exam proctoring
- By appointment
- Card renewal
- Every 3 years
The homeschool page links to outside websites rather than a listed in-library collection, so ask staff which homeschool books the library holds.
How to get the card
- At the library
Apply for a card
Fill out the application, sign the statement of responsibility, and show a current ID.
- First 30 days
Borrow lightly
Check out up to 2 items, only one a DVD, until good standing is verified.
- When you need a book
Request interlibrary loan
Give staff the title, author, and your contact details; it often takes a week or two to arrive.
- Every 3 years
Keep the card active
Cards with use renew automatically; cards unused for a year are deleted.
What it includes
Included
- Free library card
- Free interlibrary loan
- Exam proctoring for college students
- Links to homeschool curriculum guides and legal resources
Not included
- Interlibrary loans before good standing is verified
- Return postage or fax costs for proctored exams
Good to know
The homeschool page offers legal links
The page links to Iowa homeschool legal resources.
Who to contact about the library
Library staff at 1312 10th Ave. issue cards, place interlibrary loans, and schedule proctored exams.
mansonpl@wccta.net 712-469-3986 Homeschoolers page
Homeschool rules and statewide help in Iowa
You do not have to file a homeschool notice for independent private instruction.
Iowa sets these rules:
- Subjects: IPI must cover mathematics, reading and language arts, science, and social studies at all grade levels. CPI must provide at least 148 days of instruction annually, with attendance on at least 37 days each school quarter; its other rules depend on the option.
- Testing: No standardized testing required for independent option.
- Records: IPI must provide specified instructor, location, authority, and student information on written request; CPI reporting and record rules depend on the option.
- Teachers: Iowa does not require a teaching certificate or degree to homeschool your own child.
Read the Iowa homeschooling guide See statewide programs in Iowa
Questions parents ask
- Does interlibrary loan cost anything at Manson Public Library?
- No. The library no longer charges interlibrary loan fees, but missing a pickup after notice suspends requests for 2 months.
- Can my teen take a college exam at the library?
- Yes. The director proctors exams for students at institutions of higher learning by appointment, ending at least 30 minutes before closing, with photo ID.
- When is the library open?
- Monday 1-5 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursday 1-8 p.m., Friday 1-5 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m.-noon.
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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