Homeschool benefits and savings in Kent County
A Kent County Public Library teacher card lets a homeschooling parent keep library materials for 8 weeks instead of the usual 21 days, at no cost to Maryland residents. Bring proof that you homeschool to any Kent County branch.
Kent County Library teacher card
Who qualifies
Is a homeschooling parent
The library extends its teacher card to parents or guardians who show proof that they homeschool.
Has a library account
Accounts are free for Maryland residents and cost $10 a year for everyone else.
Is 18 or older
Adults apply in person with identification and proof of residence. Children under 18 need a parent or guardian to sign up.
What the card gives you
Kent County Public Library's teachers and educators page and its card FAQ describe the teacher card and regular borrowing rules.
- Loan period on the teacher card
- 8 weeks
- Loan period on a regular card
- 21 days
- DVDs, kits, and games on a regular card
- 7 days
- Late fees
- None
- Processing fee on a lost or damaged item
- $5 plus the item cost
Borrowing continues as long as you owe less than $50 in replacement fees.
How to get the card
- Before you go
Bring homeschool proof
Have proof of homeschooling plus a photo ID with your current address ready.
- At the branch
Get the teacher card
Chestertown, North County in Galena, and Rock Hall can all set up the card.
- As you borrow
Plan around 8 weeks
Check out materials for a full unit; they are due back 8 weeks later.
What it includes
Included
- Longer 8-week loans
- Interlibrary loan through Marina
- Field trip visits for groups
Not included
- Replacement copies you buy yourself
- Laptops and Chromebooks outside the building
Who to contact about the card
Staff at the Chestertown branch answer questions about teacher cards, holds, and account problems.
410-778-3636 Library card FAQs
Kent County Public Library homeschool educator card
Who qualifies
Homeschools a child
Parents or guardians who homeschool can receive a teacher card by providing proof of their status as homeschoolers.
Lives in Maryland
Library accounts are free for Maryland residents. Families outside Maryland pay a $10 annual account fee.
Brings ID and address proof
Bring a photo ID with your current address, or a utility bill, lease, or other official mail showing it.
What the card gives you
Kent County Public Library's teachers and educators page sets the teacher card loan period, and its card FAQ sets the regular account limits.
- Teacher card loan period
- 8 weeks
- Regular card loan period for most items
- 21 days
- Items out on an adult account
- 50
- Overdue fines
- None
- Brainfuse online tutoring
- Daily, 1:00 to 11:00 p.m.
The library does not list a separate item limit for teacher cards, so ask at the desk how many items the card allows.
How to get the card
- Before you go
Gather proof
Bring proof that you homeschool and a photo ID with your current address.
- At the branch
Ask for a teacher card
Staff set up the teacher card once they see your homeschool proof.
- Each checkout
Return within 8 weeks
Items on the teacher card are due in 8 weeks. Items not returned within 42 days of the due date are treated as lost.
What it includes
Included
- 8-week loans
- Homeschooling and curriculum materials
- Brainfuse online tutoring
- Peterson's test and career prep
Not included
- Laptops and Chromebooks outside the building
- Mobile hotspots on youth accounts
Who to contact about the card
Library staff set up teacher cards and help families find homeschooling and curriculum materials.
410-778-3636 Teachers and educators page
Homeschool rules and statewide help in Maryland
You must submit the prescribed consent form to the local superintendent at least 15 days before starting. District-supervised families verify continuation before each school year and report status changes. A qualifying nonpublic supervisor reports continuing enrollment and status changes to the district.
Maryland sets these rules:
- Subjects: Provide regular, thorough instruction of sufficient duration in English, math, science, social studies, art, music, health, and PE. A qualifying nonpublic-supervised program must provide regular, thorough instruction in the usual public-school studies.
- Testing: State standardized testing is voluntary. District-supervised programs have portfolio reviews at semester ends, with no more than three reviews per school year.
- Records: For district supervision, keep instructional materials and work samples demonstrating required instruction; college report cards or transcripts may substitute for those courses. Qualifying nonpublic supervision follows COMAR’s separate requirements.
- Teachers: No state teaching credential required for the parent providing home instruction.
Read the Maryland homeschooling guide See statewide programs in Maryland
Questions parents ask
- What if Kent County Public Library does not own a book in our curriculum?
- Staff can search Marina, Maryland's statewide interlibrary loan service, and can look outside Maryland if no public library in the state owns it.
- Can a homeschool parent get Kent County Public Library's teacher card?
- Yes. Kent County Public Library offers teacher cards to parents or guardians who homeschool once they provide proof of homeschooling.
- What counts as proof of homeschooling for the Kent teacher card?
- The library does not name a document. Bring your homeschool notification to the local school system or your umbrella enrollment letter, and call 410-778-3636 if you want to confirm first.
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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