Homeschool benefits and savings in Bristol
Rogers Free Library in Bristol runs a free Homeschool Hangout for homeschoolers ages 11-18 on the last Wednesday of every month, and its homeschool page links free databases and eBooks such as World Book Online, TumbleBooks, Explora, and eZone. Any Rhode Island resident can get the free library card that unlocks them.
Who qualifies
Lives in Rhode Island
Anyone who lives in or pays property taxes in Rhode Island can get a free Ocean State Libraries card, good at all Rhode Island public libraries.
Applies online or by mail
Use the online adult or child application, or mail a printed application with a copy of a photo ID and proof of residency to the library.
Middle or high school age for Hangout
Homeschool Hangout is for homeschoolers in middle and high school, best for ages 11-18.
What the library gives you
The terms come from the library's For Homeschoolers page, its event calendar, and the Ocean State Libraries card application.
- Library card for Rhode Island residents
- Free
- Homeschool Hangout, Teen Space
- Last Wednesday, noon-2 p.m.
- World Book Online (Early Learning, Kids, Student)
- Pre-K through grade 5 and up
- TumbleBooks and Explora databases
- Free with your card
- eZone eBooks and eAudiobooks, with Kids and Teens sections
- Free with your card
- Museum passes
- Free or discounted admission
Seats at Homeschool Hangout are limited (the October 28 session showed six open seats), so register in the library's calendar even though walk-ins are welcome.
How to get started
- Before you go
Apply for a card
Fill out the Ocean State Libraries online application for an adult or child card, then pick up the card or have it mailed.
- Each month
Register for Hangout
Sign up for Homeschool Hangout in the library's event calendar. Registration is preferred but not required.
- Last Wednesday
Come to the Teen Space
Hangout runs noon to 2 p.m. with board games, card games, snacks, and crafts.
- Any time
Use the databases at home
Open World Book Online, TumbleBooks, Explora, and eZone from the library's homeschool page with your card.
What it includes
Included
- Homeschool Hangout for ages 11-18
- eZone eBooks and eAudiobooks
- Story times and museum passes
Not included
- Free cards for people who do not live or pay property taxes in Rhode Island
- Mail-in card applications without a photo ID copy and proof of residency
Good to know
The listing asks for no paperwork
Hangout is built for homeschoolers in middle and high school, and its event listing asks for no homeschool paperwork.
Who to contact about homeschool programs
August Thompson, the Teen and Adult Services Librarian, runs Homeschool Hangout and answers questions about teen programs.
athompson@rogersfreelibrary.org 401-253-6948 For Homeschoolers page
Homeschool rules and statewide help in Rhode Island
You must seek approval from local school committee.
Rhode Island sets these rules:
- Subjects: Provide instruction in English in reading, writing, geography, arithmetic, US and Rhode Island history, American government, civics, health, and physical education. Instruction must be thorough and efficient.
- Testing: Agree on an evaluation method with the local school committee during approval. Rhode Island does not prescribe a single statewide annual homeschool test.
- Records: Keep attendance records and return them to the local school committee. Provide progress reports or evaluations as agreed during approval.
- Teachers: Rhode Island does not require a teaching certificate or degree to homeschool your own child.
Read the Rhode Island homeschooling guide See statewide programs in Rhode Island
Questions parents ask
- What does Rogers Free Library offer younger children?
- The homeschool page points younger children to story times, World Book Online Early Learning and Kids, TumbleBooks, and eZone Kids.
- Is the library open on weekdays during school hours?
- Yes. It is open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and closed Sunday.
- Do we have to register for Hangout?
- No, but registration is preferred. Seats are limited, so sign up in the library's event calendar even though walk-ins are welcome.
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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