Written by Liz Foreman, Brand Coordinator, Downtown Main Library
We insist on being a Library for all. All minds. All modes. All needs. More than 2.4 million visits are made to the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library each year from customers living in and working in our diverse, vibrant, and unique neighborhoods. Our series Meet a Library Customer shares the stories that minds of all kinds have each day at CHPL.
As a homeschooling family, Katie and her four sons have been avid Library users for years.
“From the time they were babies, we would do storytimes and STEM events. As they got older, our librarian would put on programming for homeschool-specific things,” she said.
“My children’s education wouldn’t even be close to what it is [without] the resources, staff, and everything that [the Library] provides!”
$89,740 Saved in Educational Materials
As her sons have grown, Katie's family relies on the Library’s seemingly endless collection of books (CHPL has the second-largest collection in the country!), research databases, and other materials to provide a robust learning experience.
“The resources the Library provides are invaluable,” Katie said. “We use the Library to get lots of our books for our curriculum. The boys also request books just for fun.”
Since getting an educator card in August 2017, Katie has checked out 4,487 books and materials. Given an average book value of $20, that’s an approximate value of $89,740, or:
⛽ 27,783 gallons of gas
🥛 22,268 gallons of milk
🍞 47,734 loaves of bread
🍌 142,444 pounds of bananas
☕ 17,028 Starbucks drinks
Find average price data for all items above except Starbucks drinks.
Hands-On Experiences with Telescopes and Discovery Passes
The family’s educational journey is also enriched through experiential learning materials available to all Library cardholders.
“We've been studying astronomy. Then I realized that you can check out telescopes from the Library,” she said.
Katie and her sons have also taken field trips to local museums and cultural attractions thanks to CHPL’s Discovery Pass. Recently, the family added an in-person dimension to their studies on abolitionist Harriet Beecher Stowe.
“The Discovery Pass was amazing because it allowed us to go to the Harriet Beecher Stowe House and see a part of history that is right here in our city,” Katie said. 
Resources at the Library for Homeschooling Families
New to homeschooling in Greater Cincinnati? Katie has some great advice for using the Library.
“Make it part of your regular routine. We try to go [to the Library] at least once a week and then [work with] the librarians because they’re so wonderful and willing to help — they want to put together whatever you need.”
Check out some of Katie's favorite Library resources:
- Educator Card – Using this card, Katie can request teacher collections to align with her curriculum.
- Study rooms at CHPL – Katie’s family likes to keep things fresh by studying at various Library locations.
- Summer Reading – This year's program for kids and teens starts May 31.
The Library serves all students with limitless learning, welcoming spaces, and more. Ask a Librarian for help getting started!
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