Homeschool benefits and savings in Ypsilanti
Ypsilanti District Library supports homeschool families with books, digital resources, learning kits, internet access, and homeschool programming. Play and science, technology, engineering, and math kits check out for up to three weeks; cardholders can borrow up to 100 items in total.
Who qualifies
Qualifies for a library card
You qualify if you live, work, or own property in the City of Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti Township, or the part of Superior Township outside the Ann Arbor school district. Home education does not exclude your family from library support.
Shows identity and local connection
Apply online or at a branch with photo ID and proof of address, employment, or property ownership. An Ypsilanti mailing address alone does not qualify residents of Augusta, Pittsfield, or York Township.
Accepts borrowing responsibility
You are responsible for lost or damaged items on your card. Resident cards last two years, and the adult who signs for a minor must renew that child's card.
What the card gives you
The library's kits, borrowing, and card pages publish these loan periods and limits.
- Play and STEM kits
- Up to three weeks
- Most borrowed items
- Three weeks; new adult books two weeks
- DVD and BluRay
- One week; up to 10 at a time
- Total borrowed materials
- 100 items of any type
- Renewals
- Up to five when not requested
- Lost-card replacement
- $1
How to use the library
- Before borrowing
Apply for a card
Use the online application or visit a branch with photo identification and eligibility proof.
- When planning lessons
Choose kits and resources
Browse play, sensory, reading, and STEM kits, databases, and digital downloads.
- Before a group visit
Arrange a library introduction
Email jodi@ypsilibrary.org to arrange a resource tour for your homeschool group.
- At the due date
Return or renew materials
Return to any library location or renew eligible items online, by phone, or in person.
- Every two years
Renew a resident card
Provide the same documentation used for your original card application.
What it includes
Included
- Books and audiobooks
- Play and STEM kits
- Digital learning resources
- Internet access
- Homeschool group resource tours
Not covered
- There are no overdue fines, but items 28 days overdue are treated as lost, and lost or damaged materials cost the replacement price.
Who to contact about library access
Library staff can help homeschool families find resources and arrange group visits.
jodi@ypsilibrary.org 734-482-4110 Homeschool help
Homeschool rules and statewide help in Michigan
No state report under the parent-led homeschool exemption, MCL 380.1561(3)(f). The nonpublic-school route has separate reporting; an annual membership report is required for eligibility for auxiliary services.
Michigan sets these rules:
- Subjects: Under exemption (f), provide an organized program in reading, spelling, math, science, history, civics, literature, writing, and English grammar. The nonpublic-school route requires subjects comparable to local public schools.
- Testing: Michigan does not require standardized testing for homeschoolers.
- Records: No prescribed homeschool portfolio or attendance-record format under exemption (f). Keep progress records for transfers; the nonpublic-school route has separate reporting requirements.
- Teachers: Under exemption (f), the instructor must be the child’s parent or legal guardian; no degree or teaching credential is required. MDE requires a reporting nonpublic homeschool parent to have at least a bachelor’s degree unless a sincerely held religious objection applies.
Read the Michigan homeschooling guide See statewide programs in Michigan
Questions parents ask
- How long can we keep a Ypsilanti library learning kit?
- Up to three weeks for play and STEM kits. The catalog shows which kits are available to borrow.
- Can we renew Ypsilanti library materials?
- Yes, up to five times if no other patron has requested the item. Renew on the website, library app, phone, or at a branch.
- Are late returns free?
- Mostly.
- Can our homeschool group learn to use the library together?
- Yes. Staff offer group visits for children and parents, including behind-the-scenes tours at the Whittaker branch; email jodi@ypsilibrary.org to arrange one.
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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