What do a telescope, the cross section of a volcano, a Reading Rainbow Family Literacy Kit, and Cathy Duffy’s 100 Top Picks have in common? They are all part of Hastings Branch Library’s brand new Homeschool Collection.

This specialized pilot collection has 140 multi-format materials for homeschool families to check out.  These include general homeschool guides, curriculum resources, educational DVDs, literacy kits, as well as learning equipment materials – a microscope, a human body form, a globe, and much more!

The aim of the Homeschool Collection is to provide greater accessibility to educational resources that assist homeschool teachers and parent educators with curricular development for children, Kindergarten through grade 6.  The collection is the inspiration of Pasadena Public Library staffer Petra Morris.  Morris attended the Eureka! Institute – a week long leadership training held in San Jose, California in October 2009.  As part of the program, attendees were required to develop a library service that responds to the needs of their community.  An assessment of existing library services and feedback from the community helped Morris identify possible service projects leading to the selection of the Homeschool Collection project.  The collection is funded by a one-time grant, in the amount of $4,100 from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian.

The Homeschool Collection was unveiled to the public on September 16, 2010 and is housed at Hastings Branch Library, 3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd. Use of the collection requires either a Pasadena or Glendale Public Library card. Collection materials may be loaned out up to 3 weeks. They must be returned to Hastings Branch Library.